Support for Siblings of NICU Patients: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Siblings of hospitalized newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) experience unique thoughts and feelings in response to this situational crisis. Providing an opportunity for siblings and their parents to address both of their concerns can improve sibling adjustment to the NICU, and is also consistent with a family-centered care philosophy. This article traces the development and evolution of sibling policy and program changes at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (HDVCH) NICU, and describes the current comprehensive model for inclusion of siblings. Particular emphasis will be given to the cornerstone program “Celebrating Siblings Pizza Party.” Infection control considerations and the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach to enhance an array of sibling services are also highlighted.

Keywords:

• neonatal intensive care unit
• NICU
• siblings
• family-centered care

We thank Joan Rikli, Yvonne Johnson, and the anonymous reviewers for their suggestions on earlier drafts of this article.