Working with Families Using a Family-Centered Approach for Improved Development Outcomes in High-Risk Children

Abstract

Introduction: Around the world, almost half of all deaths in children under five occur in the newborn period. Ninety-nine percent of newborn deaths are in low- and middle-income countries and prematurity, intrapartumrelated neonatal deaths (‘birth asphyxia’), sepsis and meningitis account for 75% of these1. Developmental disability is a diverse group of chronic conditions that are due to mental or physical impairments that arise before adulthood. Developmental disabilities cause individuals living with them many difficulties in certain areas of life, especially in “language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living”2. Aim of Study: To analyze the impact of family centered-approach on child’s development outcomes. To quantify and validate the advantages of family-centered- approach for parents and children. Method: A low-cost, family-centered intervention programme to promote child and family wellbeing is provided at an Early Intervention Centre in Latika Roy Foundation, Dehradun, India. It follows a familycentered approach of empowering families through respect, collaboration, information, training and support. The effectiveness of this methodology is evaluated in this study. Discussion: This study evaluates the effectiveness of this family-centred interventions programme, provided by early intervention Centre, for improving development outcomes of high-risk infants. This study explores, for the first time in a resource limited country, the relationship between the reduction of family stress achieved through a family empowerment programme and improvement in development outcomes of high-risk children. Families of High-risk infants enrolled at the Centre during January 2015 through July 2017, who were in NICU for 5 or >5 days are partners in the study. Conclusion: The importance of family-centred care cannot be over-emphasized. Early intervention services and support to families can significantly improve quality of life of high-risk children. Intervention studies for children with disability state that the best way of improving children’s outcomes is by empowering parents through a structured learning programme. Given the scope and potential of such programs, this study quantifies and validates the advantages of the family-centred approach.