12200 (404) Helping Families Embrace the Power of Change Through Education and Support Following NICU Discharge
Valerie Willis, MSN RN PNP CNS

Abstract
PRIMARY CONTENT AREA: Continuation of family centered care following NICU discharge is a means to simultaneously promote optimal early development for premature, low-birth weight, and special needs infants and enhance positive parent infant interaction.

STATED PURPOSE for the SESSION: The purpose of the session is to examine the basis for ongoing family-centered care following NICU discharge and explore implementation of a post-NICU education and support program.

BACKGROUND and IMPORTANCE of the TOPIC: Family-centered care is considered a standard of care in the NICU. However, continuing education and support for NICU graduates and their families is often sporadic. NICU nurses are critical to filling this missing link in neonatal care. Research has demonstrated that a well-planned program facilitated by experienced, multidisciplinary health care professionals can yield favorable and sustained benefits at a modest expense.

DESCRIPTION of WHAT will be COVERED: The presentation will include: Evidence-based principles that support continuity of family- centered care after NICU discharge; Relevance of nursing theoretical framework and middle range theory as guides for family support and education; Details of a model program along with a review of essential practices to facilitate optimal outcomes for prematurely born infants following NICU discharge; and Exploration of potential strategies for program replication and sustainability.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS: 1. Engage nurse champions nationwide to embrace the power of change available through post-NICU family support and education. 2. Quantitative and qualitative scholarly inquiry to validate the positive impact of post-NICU education and support on the outcomes of NICU graduates and their families.

Learning Objectives
1. Discuss three evidenced-based principles for continuing family-centered care after NICU discharge.
2. Describe the four components of social support.
3. Identify three essential practices to facilitate optimal outcomes for prematurely born infants following NICU discharge.
4. Explore potential strategies for program replication and sustainability.

Bibliography
Bakewell-Sachs, S. & Gennaro, S. (2004). Parenting the post-NICU premature infant. Maternal Child Nursing, 29(6), 398-403.

Boomnee, J. & Pickler, R. (2005). Transition of preterm infants from hospital to home. Neonatal Intensive Care, 18(8), 22-25. Institute for Family Centered Care (2009). Advancing the practice of patient- and family-centered care: How to get started. Retrieved June 11, 2009, from http://www.familycenteredcare.org/tools/
downloads.html

Institute of Medicine Report (2006). Pertrm birth: Causes, consequences, and prevention. National Academy of Sciences. Retrieved August 17, 2006, from http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3740/25471/
35813.aspx?printfriendly=true

Kaarensen, P., Ronning, J., Ulvund, S., & Dahl, L. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of the effectiveness of an early-intervention program in reducing parenting stress after preterm birth. Pediatrics, 118(1), 9-19.