A regional approach to promoting improved care of multiples.

Live births of multiples in the U.S. rose 35% from 87,700 in 1988 to 118,295 in 1998. This increase presents public health issues due to the elevated health and psychosocial risks that accompany multiple birth. However, health and social service providers and educators are poorly prepared to address the specific needs of the multiple birth population. The Twin Service Network Project therefore developed regional networks of multiple birth training and resources in California to address this problem. Results indicate that these can substantially improve the care available to multiples. The project's integrated package of training and parenting education materials is available to other regions to assist in such efforts.