Implementation and case-study results of potentially better practices for family-centered care: the family-centered care map.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to enhance the ability to coordinate and deliver care in a holistic manner, through a family-centered care map, so that the developmental, physical, and psychosocial needs of the infant and family are met.


METHODS
A Web-based map was based on 7 distinct clinical phases with 3 variations of an infant's course through a NICU. Sixty-three potentially better practices were identified and 7 potentially better practices were implemented through case studies.


RESULTS
Measures of family satisfaction revealed improvements in delivery of family-centered care. Increases in discharge growth parameters for extremely low birth weight infants were demonstrated. Length of stay for very low birth weight infants decreased from 73 to 60 days in Vermont.


CONCLUSIONS
The collaborative process enhances identification of potentially better practices and results in both qualitative and quantitative improvements in family-centered care.
Johnston
Anne M
AM
Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care and Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05477, USA. anne.johnston@vtmednet.org
Bullock
Candice E
CE
Graham
Jean E
JE
Reilly
Maureen C
MC
Rocha
Colleen
C
Hoopes
Robert D
RD
Van der Meid
Vanessa
V
Gutierrez
Susan
S
Abraham
Marie R
MR
D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007902:Length of Stay; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014481:United States