Evaluation of a program to promote positive parenting in the neonatal intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate a parent education program to promote positive parenting in the NICU.


METHODS
Program evaluations completed by parent participants and staff members.


METHODS
104 parents (59 mothers and 45 fathers) who attended the Parent's Circle; also 44 NICU or SCN staff members. MAIN OUTEOME VARIABLE: Family and staff evaluations of the Parent's Circle program.


RESULTS
Families reported that attending Parent's Circle helped them gain perspective on their situation, feel supported, learn key developmental concepts, locate hospital and community resources, and optimize interactions with their fragile infant. Staff reported that the knowledge parents gained from Parent's Circle influenced their interactions and behaviors in the NICU.
Pearson
J
J
University of Minnesota and Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, USA. jolene.pearson@childrenshc.org
Andersen
K
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development / Q000523:psychology*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires