Donna Marvicsin

“It Was an Overwhelming Thing”: Parents' Needs After Infant Diagnosis With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

This study characterizes the experiences and expressed needs of parents following diagnosis of their newborn with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Six parents (four mothers and two fathers) were interviewed about how they learned about CAH and its management, followed by qualitative data analysis. Coding of transcripts revealed several themes, including health communication problems, a lack of medical home and decision support, and a desire for parent-to-parent social support. Findings have implications for how family-centered health care is delivered following an unexpected newborn diagnosis.

Parenting Efficacy Related to Childhood Obesity: Comparison of Parent and Child Perceptions

The aim of this study was to explore child and parent perceptions of parenting efficacy related to child BMI. This descriptive, cross-sectional study recruited 27 parent-child dyads participating in a healthy eating/activity intervention. Parent and child perceptions of parenting efficacy were measured using a version of the Tool to Measure Parenting Self-Efficacy (TOPSE). Paired sample t test and correlational statistics were used. Parents and children had similar perception of parenting efficacy. Child report of parenting efficacy and child BMI was significant. Exploring perceptions of parenting efficacy will help individualize family-focused intervention programs to prevent obesity in children.

An integrative review of sleep interventions and related clinical implications for obesity treatment in children

PURPOSE Evidence has shown correlations between obesity and sleep in children. The purpose of this review was to identify sleep interventions that could be utilized in primary care settings to prevent obesity in children. RESULTS Three themes emerged: bedtime routines and environment; parental presence and graduated extinction; and health education. Effective strategies to improve sleep in children include consistent bedtime routine and self-soothing. CONCLUSION Health care professionals can provide innovative and prevention-based sleep education for parents early in a childs development. Education, related to sleep, and appropriate sleep strategies may help prevent obesity and its long-term consequences.

Parental roles in the development of obesity in children: challenges and opportunities

License. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress.com/permissions.php Research and Reports in Biology 2015:6 39–53 Research and Reports in Biology Dovepress

Pediatric Palliative Care: Identification of the Referral Process and Collaboration of the Pediatric Palliative Care Team and the Primary CareProvider

Purpose: The Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network (PPCRN) is a network of pediatric palliative care hospital programs in the United States and Canada. The objectives of this study were 1.) To determine the referral process to Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) programs identified in the United States and Canada and 2.) To identify the role of the primary care provider collaboration within the PPCRN. This information was then used to develop a patient education tool for the pediatric primary care provider within the community. The tool could initiate an early referral to PPC, increase access to these services, and improve the quality of life for these children and their families. Methods: Surveys were sent via email to the 9 PPCRN programs to evaluate the referral processes and the role of the primary care provider within their respective PPC programs. Results: 5 out of the 9 PPCRN programs responded to the survey. Only 2 PPCRN programs identified collaboration with the primary care provider at initial referral and offered a continued multidisciplinary approach throughout the course of the child’s illness. The majority of referrals occur at end-of-life and/or non-curative stage of disease. Conclusion: Further research needs to be conducted to recognize the barriers of referral at diagnosis despite current guidelines. The possibility of a flagging system for diagnosis criteria should be explored in order to increase identification of children in need of PPC for referral.