title: Promoting family-centered care in the NICU through a parent-to-parent manager position.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Family-Centered Care (FCC) committee had formulated multiple ideas for projects but was unable to fully carry out and sustain many of the initiatives. The committee felt that to implement the proposed FCC projects someone would need to devote full attention to the task. The parent-to-parent (PTP) position was created to develop and sustain initiatives of our institution's NICU Family Support Program.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to describe the process of creating a PTP manager position and the effects it can have in the NICU for the family. Program outcomes were assessed in 3 areas that align with core principles of FCC: (1) emotional support and parent empowerment, (2) a welcoming environment with supportive policies, and (3) education for staff and families. The assessment of the program included review and attendance of parent support offerings, review and revision of parent material, and survey evaluation of staff education.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first year, the program reached over 800 families, provided 136 parent education hours, and organized social activities that reached 847 families.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The creation of a PTP manager position has been instrumental in the development and management of multiple initiatives to offer families and staff continued support and education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further evaluation of programs and strategies for PTP support in the NICU setting is needed.
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics Division of Neonatology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri (Drs Voos and Olsen and Ms Park); School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City (Dr Voos and Olsen); and March of Dimes, White Plains, New York (Ms Miller).
authors.forename: Kristin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Voos
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Nesha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Olsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D022143:Family Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016730:Program Development; D012944:Social Support