THE “PANEL PARENT” AS AN ADJUNCT TO THE SPECTRUM OF NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE

Abstract

Early maternal-newborn interaction and the concept of maternal infant bonding is stressed in neonatal ICU'S today. Parents are encouraged to touch, fondle and visit their infant immediately. An organized support program can play a prominent role in maintaining family stability during this period. Only the parent who has gone through the experience can appreciate all of the fears and doubts which must be understood and explained. We have designed a “Panel Parent Program” to augment our open visitation policy. These parents have been through the experience and are chosen on the basis of infant diagnosis, ethnic, social, educational and financial background. The panel parent contacts the family within 48 hours and subsequently communication varies depending upon the problem and parent availability. After the infant is discharged from the ICU the family evaluates their “Panel Parent”. Since adopting this policy we have noted less grief response and a greater degree of total family stability both during and after the infant's stay in our neonatal intensive care unit.