Evaluation of a Program to Promote Positive Parenting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Purpose: To describe and evaluate a parent education program to promote positive parenting in the NICU.

Design: Program evaluations completed by parent participants and staff members.

Sample: 104 parents (59 mothers and 45 fathers) who attended the Parent's Circle; also 44 NICU or SCN staff members.

Main Outcome Variable: Family and staff evaluations of the Parent's Circle program.

Results: Families reported that attending Parent's Circle helped them gain perspective on their situation, feel supported, learn key developmental concepts, locate hospital and community resources, and optimize interactions with their fragile infant. Staff reported that the knowledge parents gained from Parent's Circle influenced their interactions and behaviors in the NICU.