Preconception Education: Caring for the Future
Preconception Education: Caring for the Future
Prevention is the best treatment for prematurity and a host of conditions affecting children and their families for life (Hobbins, 2003). With the most sophisticated health care and the highest per capita expenditure on health care in the world, it is remarkable that the United States of America ranks 28th among developed countries in its infant mortality rate. The March of Dimes Prevent Prematurity Campaign calls our attention to the opportunities missed each day in primary care to prevent disability in our babies (http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/prematurity.asp).
As nurse practitioners, prevention is a priority in the health care services we offer children and their families (Reynolds, 1998). One of our most deeply held beliefs in pediatric nursing is that parent care is integral to our practice. If we only care for the child, we are only caring for half of our patient. Preconception care provides the opportunity to assure a healthy beginning for children yet to be born, as well as a healthier parent and home environment for children already born(Mu-chowski & Paladine, 2003). Preconception care focuses not only on physical health issues, but also psychosocial and environmental health, as well.
Pediatric nurse practitioners are in an ideal position to promote preconception health. Every day, women of childbearing age bring their children for care. Nurse practitioners also provide health care to teens and young adults capable of bearing children. There are practical steps we can offer our patients and parents to help assure the health of their babies, while also benefitting themselves and their children. The March of Dimes curriculum experts offer a useful pneumonic for recalling essential elements of preconception care: REFRAMED (Freda, Chazotte, Bernstein, & Harrison, 2002; see Box 1).It does not require a lot of extra time, but only that we reframe what we do already to make the most of our time with families highlighting the value of prevention and wellness (Moos, 2003).
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Preconception Care REFRAMED
Prevention is the best treatment for prematurity and a host of conditions affecting children and their families for life (Hobbins, 2003). With the most sophisticated health care and the highest per capita expenditure on health care in the world, it is remarkable that the United States of America ranks 28th among developed countries in its infant mortality rate. The March of Dimes Prevent Prematurity Campaign calls our attention to the opportunities missed each day in primary care to prevent disability in our babies (http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/prematurity.asp).
As nurse practitioners, prevention is a priority in the health care services we offer children and their families (Reynolds, 1998). One of our most deeply held beliefs in pediatric nursing is that parent care is integral to our practice. If we only care for the child, we are only caring for half of our patient. Preconception care provides the opportunity to assure a healthy beginning for children yet to be born, as well as a healthier parent and home environment for children already born(Mu-chowski & Paladine, 2003). Preconception care focuses not only on physical health issues, but also psychosocial and environmental health, as well.
Pediatric nurse practitioners are in an ideal position to promote preconception health. Every day, women of childbearing age bring their children for care. Nurse practitioners also provide health care to teens and young adults capable of bearing children. There are practical steps we can offer our patients and parents to help assure the health of their babies, while also benefitting themselves and their children. The March of Dimes curriculum experts offer a useful pneumonic for recalling essential elements of preconception care: REFRAMED (Freda, Chazotte, Bernstein, & Harrison, 2002; see Box 1).It does not require a lot of extra time, but only that we reframe what we do already to make the most of our time with families highlighting the value of prevention and wellness (Moos, 2003).
(Enlarge Image)
Preconception Care REFRAMED
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