Systems Interventions and Program Development

Abstract

Parents of high-risk infants experience increased risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and other behavioral health conditions, which have short- and long-term consequences for parent and infant outcomes. Integrated care is a promising strategy to address the behavioral health needs of high-risk infants and families in perinatal and pediatric settings. Systems change theories and core components of needs assessment and program evaluation provide guidance for fetal, neonatal, and neonatal intensive care unit follow-up providers wishing to implement integrated care. Understanding the importance of demonstrating the value of integrated care will help providers anticipate and respond to the reality of resource constraints as they reimagine services and programs. Through thoughtful design and evaluation, integrated care approaches hold potential to improve parent and infant health and developmental outcomes.