Meeting the Challenge |
| Meeting the Challenge of Crib Death Through . . . |
Research
The Southwest SIDS Research
Institute was established in November 1984 to advance knowledge in the
field of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Multidisciplinary staff and
resource consultants bring expertise in the fields of:
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Pediatrics
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Social Work
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Obstetrics
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Statistics
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Counseling
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Computer Analysis
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Instrumentation
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Epedemiology
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Pediatric Pulmonolgy
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Biomedical Engineering
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Medical Care
A comprehensive
patient care program has been developed to meet the needs of babies who
fall in high-risk categories. These include infants diagnosed as having
"apparent life-threatening events" (ALTE), unresolved apnea of prematurity,
cardiorespiratory nerve abnormalities and prenatal maternal substance abuse.
Subsequent siblings of SIDS are considered to be at somewhat higher risk
and are followed at the parent's and physician's request. Patient care
includes:
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Physical
Evaluation
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Laboratory
Studies
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Polygraphic
Assessment
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Treatment
Planning
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Monitoring
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Follow-up
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Telephone
Support
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24 Hour
Coverage
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CPR Training
(American Heart Association Guidelines)
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Support and Counseling
It is
estimated that one hundred individuals are affected by every SIDS loss.
The shock and pain felt by the infant's parents deeply affect their lives
for months and even years following their baby's death. Depression and
unwarranted feelings of guilt and a sense of hopelessness may be overwhelming.
To help
affected families, the Southwest SIDS Research Institute provides a multi-faceted
support program including:
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Daily/Weekly Telephone Contact
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Individual and Group Counseling
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Parent-to-Parent Support
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24 Hour On-call coverage
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Education
In addition
to a parent education program, Institute volunteers are available to serve
as speakers upon request. A public reference library is being developed
in partnership with the SIDS Alliance - Greater Houston Chapter 713.937.0679
or 713.424.3567. |
