Keywords

chronically, ill, early, family, hospitalized, infants, interagency, interdisciplinary, intervention, preterm, supports, toddlers

 

Authors

  1. Freund, Peggy J. PhD
  2. Boone, Harriet A. PhD
  3. Barlow, Jane H. MSN, RN
  4. Lim, Chih Ing MA

Abstract

Children who had a prolonged hospital stay are often at risk for developmental disabilities or delays by nature of their illnesses and diagnoses. The hospitalization also can significantly disrupt the developing infant-parent relationship. This article describes an innovative intervention model providing interagency and interdisciplinary supports for preterm infants and sick young children between birth and 3 years of age and their families in a hospital-based setting. Model components are outlined according to the sources of support provided to families and children such as social-emotional, resource-material, and informational supports. Program evaluation data are shared on the basis of interviews with the models' major stakeholders-parents, healthcare providers, and early interventionists. Suggestions for replication and improvement of the model toward the realization of a seamless system of supports for infants and toddlers in hospital-based settings and during their transition to community-based early intervention services are provided.