[Preterm infant follow-up program in Lombardy Region-- Italy]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Follow-up Care

Background:

• Post-discharge management of preterm infants necessitates structured follow-up programs.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) follow-up protocols can vary based on resources and patient load.
• Existing follow-up programs may differ in duration and visit frequency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate variations in follow-up programs across Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in the Lombardy Region, Italy.
• To identify potential commonalities and a unified approach for preterm infant follow-up.
• To assess the impact of program differences on preterm infant management.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted using a 23-question multiple-choice questionnaire.
• The questionnaire was distributed to referents managing outpatient care in NICUs within the Lombardy Region.
• Data from 13 out of 17 interviewed NICUs were analyzed.

Main Results:

• All surveyed NICUs implement follow-up programs encompassing ophthalmological, neurological, cardiac, and audiometric evaluations.
• Follow-up program lengths range from 1 to 7 years, with a mean of 130 annual and 7.4 daily patient visits.
• Clinical reports are provided to families at discharge, but only 54% are mailed to Primary Care Physicians.

Conclusions:

• Despite variations in length and frequency, current follow-up program differences do not significantly impact preterm infant management.
• There is a feasible opportunity to standardize follow-up plans across NICUs.
• Improving communication and interaction between NICUs and Primary Care Physicians is recommended.