The Hospital

Abstract

Advances in medical technology have increased the survival rate of infants with chronic health impairments and developmental disabilities. As a result, infants are often hospitalized for longer periods of time. Their families are faced with information from a myriad of health care professionals and a complex set of decisions regarding their child. This article describes a hospital-based education program that provides early intervention services to infants and their families during hospitalization. Emphasis is on family-centered care and transition to home/community services. It is suggested that an additional important benefit of the program is the education of other health care professionals regarding early intervention.