Development of a post discharge telecare program for premature infants in Covid 19 era: Protocol for a mixed methods

Namnabati Mahboobeh1, Shamsi Atefeh2, Ehteshami Asghar3

  • 1Professor of Nursing, Department of Pediatric and Neonates, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Insights

Developing a post-discharge telecare program is crucial for premature infants transitioning home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study outlines a mixed-methods approach to create and evaluate an effective telecare strategy for enhanced infant and parent support.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Public health
  • Telemedicine

Background:

  • Post-discharge care for premature infants is vital for a safe transition home.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for routine hospital care termination and parental support.
  • Telecare presents a feasible solution for ongoing care and support of premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a comprehensive post-discharge telecare program for premature infants in Iran during the COVID-19 era.
  • To identify and address the specific needs and challenges faced by infants and parents after hospital discharge.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed telecare program.

Main Methods:

  • An exploratory mixed-methods study utilizing qualitative and quantitative approaches in three phases.
  • Phase 1: Qualitative deep semi-structured interviews with parents, physicians, and nurses to identify needs and strategies.
  • Phase 2: Modified Delphi method with experts to prioritize needs and finalize the telecare program.
  • Phase 3: Semi-experimental study to implement and evaluate the telecare program's effectiveness.

Main Results:

  • The study will provide evidence-based insights into promoting premature infant health post-discharge.
  • A structured program integrating qualitative and quantitative findings will be developed.
  • The effectiveness of the telecare strategy in the COVID-19 context will be assessed.

Conclusions:

  • The developed telecare program is expected to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers, particularly nurses.
  • Empowering healthcare teams will facilitate the provision of continuous, high-quality telecare for premature infants.
  • This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for premature infants and their families during and after hospitalization.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System01:29

Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System

The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
5.6K
Current Trends in Nursing II01:30

Current Trends in Nursing II

Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...
1.2K
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
736
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting01:29

Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting

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
898
Discharge Summary Forms01:31

Discharge Summary Forms

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:
763
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I

Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
948