Development of a clinical pathway for near-term and convalescing premature infants in a Level II nursery

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Clinical Pathway Development

Background:

• Near-term infants (34-36 weeks gestation) represent an underrecognized at-risk neonatal population.
• Existing care guidelines may not adequately address the unique needs of near-term infants.
• A standardized approach is needed for consistent care and discharge of these infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based multidisciplinary clinical pathway for near-term infants.
• To improve the consistency and quality of care for near-term infants in Level II nurseries.
• To address the specific needs of both near-term infants and convalescing premature infants.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway tailored to near-term infants.
• Inclusion of standardized care plans, physician orders, and evidence-based interventions.
• Incorporation of parent education and post-discharge follow-up recommendations.
• Evaluation of the pathway's impact on infant care and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The clinical pathway provides a consistent approach to the care and discharge of near-term infants.
• Implementation in a Level II nursery setting demonstrated its utility.
• The pathway has been expanded to newborn nurseries for broader application.
• Ensures safe, consistent, and quality care for near-term infants across different settings.

Conclusions:

• An evidence-based multidisciplinary clinical pathway is effective for managing near-term infants.
• The pathway ensures consistent and quality care regardless of the nursery setting.
• This approach addresses a critical gap in neonatal care for near-term infants.
• Standardized tools improve the care continuum for this vulnerable population.