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Home oxygen therapy in the newborn. Costs and parental acceptance
Insights
Caring for newborns requiring home oxygen therapy is manageable for most families, offering significant cost savings despite challenges. Parents overwhelmingly accept this care option if necessary for their infant
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Home healthcare
Background:
- Home oxygen therapy is increasingly utilized for newborns post-intensive care.
- Assessing the economic and parental perspectives of this care is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the financial implications of home oxygen therapy for infants.
- To understand parental experiences and acceptance of home oxygen therapy for newborns.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted with 34 families whose infants required supplemental oxygen at home after NICU discharge.
- Data collected included duration of therapy, associated costs, and parental challenges and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Infants required oxygen for an average of 74 days at home.
- Estimated cost savings averaged $33,370 per infant.
- Despite reported inconveniences, 94% of families would opt for home oxygen therapy again if needed.
Conclusions:
- Home oxygen therapy for newborns is a cost-effective solution.
- Parental acceptance remains high despite challenges, indicating feasibility of home-based neonatal respiratory support.
Abstract:
To assess the cost of and parental response to home oxygen therapy in the newborn, a telephone survey was conducted of 34 families of infants discharged from our intensive care nursery along with supplemental oxygen therapy. Mean birth weight was 1988 g and gestational age was 33 weeks. The mean length of time oxygen was required at home was 74 days. Savings were estimated for each infant and were found to average $33,370. The typical problems encountered by these families are described. Despite the inconveniences involved, 94% of these families stated they would again take a baby home while oxygen dependent if necessary.