A comparison of hospital and home assessment of parenting potential.
Factors influencing parenting were compared when assessments were done: (1) on the hospital postpartum ward and, (2) in the home. Thirteen factors thought to contribute to parenting potential and two items summing the risk for abuse/neglect were assessed. Items evaluating the mother's health and her ability to talk out problems provided more accurate assessment in the hospital; child focused items could be evaluated in either setting; the mother's isolation, and perception of herself were more accurately assessed in the home. Most mothers generated less concern at home. If postpartum assessment raises concerns for future parenting dysfunction, it is imperative to re-evaluate in the home and initiate appropriate referrals.
Gray
J
J
C. Henry Kempe National Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80220.
Fryer
G E
GE
D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003120:Colorado; D003625:Data Collection; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D013223:Statistics as Topic