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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Neonatal intensive care unit discharge preparedness: primary care implications
Vincent C Smith1, Dmitry Dukhovny, John A F Zupancic
1Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, BIDMC/Rose 318, Boston, MA 02215, USA. vsmith1@bidmc.harvard.edu
Clinical Pediatrics
|January 27, 2012
Summary
A small percentage of families were unprepared for discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Unprepared families faced challenges with accessing medical summaries, feeding supplies, and formula for their infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric health outcomes
- Family-centered care
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates require careful transition to home.
- Assessing family preparedness for discharge is crucial for successful post-neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate specific post-neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge outcomes and issues for families.
- To identify factors associated with family preparedness for NICU discharge.
Main Methods:
- Prospective survey of family discharge preparedness at NICU discharge.
- Telephone interviews with families in the weeks following infant discharge to assess health service utilization and infant-associated problems.
Main Results:
- 12% of families (35 of 287) were identified as "unprepared" for discharge.
- Unprepared families reported difficulties accessing the infant's NICU discharge summary for their pediatrician.
- Issues included problems with infant milk/formula and obtaining necessary feeding supplies.
Conclusions:
- While most families are prepared, a significant minority face challenges.
- Primary care providers and NICU staff must be aware of potential post-discharge issues.
- Addressing these issues can improve the transition for infants and families from the NICU to home care.
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