This is the first full-scale, randomized trial to support
the effectiveness of an efficient, easy-to-administer,
reproducible intervention program for parents
of critically ill young children. On the basis of this
study’s findings and the accumulating evidence of
the benefits of our similar intervention programs
with parents of hospitalized children and premature
infants,6,23,27,35 the COPE program should be provided
routinely to parents of young children admitted
unexpectedly to the PICU. Future research is
needed to determine 1) the cost-effectiveness of the
COPE intervention, 2) whether its effects can be
strengthened by including fathers, 3) whether its
effects can be strengthened with additional intervention
sessions 1 and 3 months after hospital discharge,
and 4) whether similar positive effects can be obtained
if the program is delivered to parents of
younger and older children and parents whose critically
ill children have chronic and/or terminal conditions.