Support Services and Peer Support for Parents of At-Risk Infants: An International Perspective

Abstract

An international survey was done on support services and peer self-help for families with infants in neonatal intensive care. In the survey, there were 19 respondents from 11 countries. Comparisons were made between this survey and 2 done in the United States. The number of support services provided for each hospital was not related to economic indicators. Parents' involvement in infant care was higher in countries with lower gross national product and higher infant mortality rate. Hospitals having a self-help organization indicated higher parental involvement in care. Hospitals with parent-professional collaboration had more support services, self-help activities, and stability and longevity of groups. The survey pointed to a widespread effort to provide support services that appeared to cross geographic and economic boundaries.