The value of prenatal education
During my conversation with Fran Gallwey in our UK office last night, we were discussing the forthcoming Preparing for Birth and Parenthood Conference (naturally!). Some people like to register by phone and this gives Fran a chance to chat to them about what is happening in their area.
One educator told her yesterday that where she works near Manchester, the parent education program has been cut back to one session! I wonder how they have justified taking this action when there are so many compelling reasons why they should be expanding, not contracting these services? Have they considered that:
They receive funding from the Government for these programs as part of their “episode of care” payments for each woman in their Trust area. If they are not spending this money on these programs, then some other department or service is using money that is not “theirs” for their own benefit.
Prenatal education is a very important component in health promotion. It offers a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn about nutrition, exercise, preventing illness, self-help, responsible parenting and family relationships amongst other key issues.
The socialising aspect of the classes can help forge community networks that can support each other.
Parents are expecting they will get some help to learn the basics of being a capable parent. They want to know what will happen to them and how the health care system can support their needs.
Litigation is a huge problem for hospital Trusts especially in the area of childbirth. Obtaining consent and encouraging informed choices have been identified as key components in reducing the chances of litigation. The parent education programs often provide the only opportunity for extensive discussion with parents about aspects of their care for which consent will be necessary. If hospitals cut their education programs they increase their exposure to legal challenges that clinicians have acted without informed consent.
These are the first thoughts that spring to my mind when I hear that parent education programs are being slashed. Short sighted decisions such as these deserve to be questioned. The parents in our communities deserve better treatment than being fobbed off with one class.
Posted by andrea at May 18, 2006 04:31 PM
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