Case management in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Pediatric Intensive Care

Background:

• Case management is a critical component of care delivery in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• The neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) plays a unique role within the NICU team.
• Understanding the NNP's case management function is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of case management as practiced by neonatal nurse practitioners in the NICU.
• To compare and contrast the NNP's case management role with those of primary and staff nurses.
• To describe the collaborative relationship between NNPs and physicians in case management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of case management in neonatal nursing.
• Comparative analysis of nursing roles within the NICU setting.
• Description of interprofessional collaboration strategies.

Main Results:

• The NNP functions as a key case manager, distinct from primary and staff nurses.
• Collaboration with physicians is integral to effective neonatal case management.
• NNPs enhance care coordination and patient advocacy.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal nurse practitioners are pivotal case managers in the NICU.
• Further development of NNP case management roles can improve patient care.
• Future directions include expanding the scope and integration of NNP-led case management.