The “Doctor Dad” program is an infant and toddler health and safety workshop that is specifically designed for fathers with young children. As more and more dads are taking care of the daily needs of their infants and toddlers, “Doctor Dad” enables men to handle the majority of medical situations that may arise as their children grow.

Some of the topics covered at “Doctor Dad” include:The Well Child – covers information on temperament, crying, nutrition, and immunizations The Sick Child – covers information on taking a temperature, treating fever and the common cold, and preventing dehydration The Injured Child – covers information on preventing and treating burns/sunburns, drowning, cuts/scrapes, head injuries, poisoning, and choking

The Safe Child – covers information on safety inside and outside the home, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), gun safety, and anger management

Dr. Dad Outcomes Report

A total of 11 men enrolled in the class at the beginning.  As group progressed, two more joined in week three.  Of the 13 men who participated, six completed all four sessions and thus were acknowledged for completing the class.  Two men stated that they plan to complete the group next time.  Surveys and inventories were used to measure the attitudes changes in each participant and as a group.  Findings from those assessment devices are as follows:

  * The group exhibited an increase in percentage correct on a 37 item survey.
  

  *All six men scored higher on the survey after the class.  This suggests their knowledge in all four areas increased.

  * The group showed overall confidence increase in three areas measured (forth area is the well child and no confidence measured). 

  * Seven men were measured for three confidence areas.  This is a result of one man not attending the final group meeting at which no confidence measures are obtained.  Of the seven measured, all of them maintained or increased confidence levels.