Abstract
Very young children with chronic diseases are at an increased risk for medical and psychosocial adjustment problems. Yet few programs exist that provide comprehensive care for these families. This article focuses on the unique challenges faced by families of very young children with diabetes, and on a comprehensive program to address these needs. The outpatient program integrated parent and child groups into patients' regular follow-up health care. Psychosocial, medical, and nutritional issues were addressed in a multifamily group setting. A needs assessment of parent concerns revealed that the impact of diabetes on child behavior and family interactions was their highest priority. An evaluation indicated increased long-term diabetes follow-up care and improved diabetes control in children of families who had participated regularly in the program. This success points toward the need for similar comprehensive programs to support families coping with other chronic diseases in their very young children.
