Psychosocial assessment and care for infants hospitalized for non‐organic failure to thrive1

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Abstract
Patterns of psychosocial assessment and care of 30 infants hospitalized for non‐organic failure to thrive (NOFT) were studied by means of an indepth chart review. The following findings emerged: underutilization of psychosocial services, an emphasis on diagnostic assessment rather than treatment planning, and inconsistent charting of information concerning follow up and treatment following hospitalization. Findings suggest a need for a comprehensive intergration of psychosocial assessment with physical diagnosis in the hospital based care of NOFT infants. A high level of psychologist visibility and availability to the staff and active involvement with families is seen as a means of facilitating more effective assessment and treatment planning for these infants at risk. Greater attention to treatment planning and involvement of community resources for ongoing clinical intervention following the hospitalization is needed to lessen the long‐term developmental, emotional and family problems associated with NOFT.

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