Parenting preemies: a unique program for family support and education after NICU discharge

Research supports the importance of family-centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The significance of continuity in family-centered care beyond the NICU has recently gained attention. Parenting Preemies is a unique and easily replicated postdischarge program designed to ease the transition from hospital to home for NICU graduates and their families. The comprehensive program provides an effective means to demonstrate ongoing, family-centered, and cost-effective outreach after discharge. The specific target population includes premature, low birth-weight, and special needs infants, and their parents. A multidisciplinary team utilizes evidenced-based principles to facilitate an education and support group, in conjunction with home visits, as the foundation for promotion of optimal outcomes for preemies and their parents. Participant satisfaction is consistently positive.