Understanding Barriers to Early Intervention Services for Preterm Infants: Lessons From Two States.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore existing barriers and challenges to Early Intervention (EI) referral, enrollment, and service provision for very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants.

Methods

We conducted 10 focus groups with parents of VLBW children (n = 44) and 32 interviews with key informants from EI (n = 7), neonatal intensive care units (n = 17), and outpatient clinics (n = 8) at 6 sites in 2 states. We used grounded theory to identify themes about gaps in services.

Results

Both parents and providers found EI helpful. However, they also identified gaps in the current EI system at the levels of eligibility, referral, family receptivity, and service provision and coordination with medical care. Inadequate funding and variable procedures for evaluation may affect children'

SUBMITTER: Little AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4862651 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature