Evidence-based practice to improve outcomes for late preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Late preterm infants (LPIs), born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation, constitute a substantial proportion of preterm births (70%) and overall births (9%).
• The increasing incidence of elective deliveries over the last decade is a suspected contributor to the rise in late preterm births.
• This demographic presents unique challenges in neonatal care and requires specialized attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the contributing factors and develop strategies for managing the increasing number of late preterm infants.
• To foster collaboration among labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, and postpartum care providers.
• To address the healthcare needs of late preterm infants within an urban academic medical center.

Main Methods:

• An interprofessional team was assembled, comprising experts from labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, and postpartum care.
• A collaborative approach was adopted to analyze the issue of late preterm births.
• The setting was an urban academic medical center, facilitating comprehensive care and research.

Main Results:

• The study focused on the collaborative efforts to manage late preterm infants.
• Data on the incidence and contributing factors of late preterm births were gathered.
• Interprofessional strategies were implemented to improve care pathways.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by late preterm infants.
• Healthcare systems must adapt to the rising numbers of late preterm births.
• Targeted interventions and coordinated care are essential for optimizing outcomes for this vulnerable population.