January FCC Community Exchange

Thank you to the 85+ members who joined us for our first FCC Community Exchange session of the year! Facilitators were Malathi Balasundaram, MD, Founder & Executive Director of FCC Taskforce, and Latoya Blueford, Founder & President of The Skylar Project. We discussed the importance of NICU-specific Family Partnership Councils and strategies for engaging families both during & after their NICU stay.

Highlights:

• NICU-specific Family Partnership Councils (FPCs) advance family-centered care
• Successful FPC models recruit families at NICU reunions and/or using forms on their hospital’s website or social media page where folks can self-identify as interested in participating. If your unit doesn’t host a reunion or use social media, engage families who regularly visit the unit after discharge and connect with local churches and community organizations
• FPCs should be treated like Parent-Teacher Associations, emphasizing consistent meetings/meeting structure and clear expectations of members
• Hybrid meeting options are the best way to maximize attendance and ensure equitable access at FPC meetings
• Utilize your FPC members’ professional skillsets such as marketing, education, communication, etc.
• Screening for emotional readiness, orientation/training, and adequate support are necessary for meaningful family participation
• Engage families early and often — recruiting for FPCs begins at admission! Include families during rounds in ways that are most meaningful to them, post family support opportunities bulletins in shared spaces with incentives for participation, and implement a strong post-discharge follow-up