Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
88.4K
Neonates and Infants Discharged Home Dependent on Medical Technology: Characteristics and Outcomes
Valerie Boebel Toly1, Carol M Musil, Amy Bieda
1Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (Drs Toly, Musil, Bieda, and Dowling), and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine (Dr Sattar), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; and Neonatal Transitional Care Center, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio (Ms Barnett).
Summary
Technology-dependent neonates require specialized care at home. Female infants, those with gastrostomy tubes, and longer hospital stays increase rehospitalization risk for these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Pediatric technology dependence
- Healthcare transition
Background:
- Neonates in NICU often require medical technology for survival post-discharge.
- Technology use necessitates specialized parental education on neonatal assessment and device operation.
- Transitioning home with technology-dependent infants is challenging and linked to increased healthcare utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of technology-dependent neonates.
- To analyze healthcare utilization outcomes (ER visits, rehospitalizations) post-discharge.
- To identify factors associated with healthcare utilization in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective medical record review of 71 technology-dependent neonates.
- Analysis of demographic characteristics, hospital length of stay, and technology type.
- Regression analysis of 22 neonates with 1-year postdischarge data to assess healthcare utilization.
Main Results:
- 40% of neonates were born between 23-26 weeks gestation with <1000g birth weight.
- Supplemental oxygen (66%) and feeding tubes (46.5%) were most common technologies.
- Female sex, gastrostomy tubes, and longer initial hospital stay increased rehospitalization risk.
Conclusions:
- Family assessment and support, especially for mothers, are crucial post-discharge.
- Longitudinal research is needed to understand long-term outcomes for technology-dependent infants.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
360
In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
360
01:19Restorative Care
2.5K
Restorative care is provided once a patient has been discharged from a healthcare facility and requires additional services. The additional services include home care, rehabilitation programs, and extended care. Restorative care centers help the patient regain their previous level of functioning or acquire a new level of functioning due to the incapacitating effects of a disease or a disability. It aims to assist patients in enhancing their quality of life by encouraging independence,...
2.5K
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
1.3K
The discharge summary is crucial as it enables a smooth transition from a healthcare facility to a patient's home or another care setting. This critical document facilitates seamless continuity of care, ensuring patients receive the necessary support and attention.
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
1.3K
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
1.6K
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
1.6K
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
6.3K
The planning phase of the nursing process helps nurses set priorities, outline patient-centered goals and expected outcomes, and tailor nursing interventions to align with the aligned care plan. Through the planning phase, the nurse applies critical thinking skills to align and develop interventions according to the patient's needs. It provides continuity of care allowing patients to receive the maximum benefit from treatment. It serves as a pilot plan for allocating individual staff to a...
6.3K
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
426
Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
426