1366 GROUP SUPPORT FOR PARENTS OF HIGH RISK NEONATES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Abstract

Many parents find themselves emotionally and cognitively unprepared to relate to their sick newborns. We inform and involve parents by inviting them to informal group meetings staffed by an interdisciplinary team of social worker, nurse and physician. The group has met every week for 18 months.330 parents have attended. Sessions are 1½ hours long and coincide with afternoon feeding in the regular nurseries. All parents receive a personal invitation. Nursery and post-partum staff are orientated to the purpose of the group. A relaxed and informal atmosphere encourages conversation and discussion. Common anxieties are shared and parents recognize the disturbance of their emotions and life-style to be normal. The physician deliberately arrives late and leaves early after giving a short talk and answering questions. Parents interests centre on a basic understanding of common conditions and treatment, the milestones of progress and ultimate outlook. Feeding and lactation are major concerns. We have no control group, but positive feedback, good attendence and a higher profile of social issues in the nursery support the apparent value of this group. Some parents become mutually supportive outside the group; particularly those with sicker infants. Concern that the depth of discussion could distress some parents appears unfounded. Veteran mothers have caused anxiety by inappropriate comment. With this preventive approach to parent care the social worker can identify parents at risk and initiate early counselling, and the time commitment by staff is low for the degree of support achieved.