Evolving models of family-centered services in neonatal intensive care

The article examines the evolution of models for providing family-centered services in neonatal intensive care settings. Child-focused, parent-infant interaction, and ecological models are presented and discussed. One specific ecological model, the family-centered care model, is examined in detail. While most current programs endorsed family-centered care (FCC) as a "best practice" for developmental intervention with infants, few were found that implemented these practices. Most utilized only limited components of FCC. Instead, programs operating in NICU settings had features directed toward child care, staff training, family support and transition to the community, rather than impacting the philosophy of care and/or service delivery system in the NICU. Suggestions for working toward FCC in NICU settings are given and barriers are discussed.