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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The Current State of Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Programs in North America: A Children's Hospitals Neonatal
Vilmaris Quiñones Cardona1, Susan S Cohen2, Noah Cook3
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up (NDFU) practices across academic centers.
Study Design:
This study was a cross-sectional survey that addressed center-specific neonatal NDFU practices within the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC).
Results:
Survey response rate was 76%, and 97% of respondents had a formal NDFU program. Programs were commonly staffed by neonatologists (80%), physical therapists (77%), and nurse practitioners (74%). Median gestational age at birth identified for follow-up was ≤32 weeks (range 26-36). Median duration was 3 years (range 2-18). Ninety-seven percent of sites used Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, but instruments used varied across ages. Scores were recorded in discrete electronic data fields at 43% of sites. Social determinants of health data were collected by 63%. Care coordination and telehealth services were not universally available.
Conclusion:
NDFU clinics are almost universal within CHNC centers. Commonalities and variances in practice highlight opportunities for data sharing and development of best practices.
Key Points:
· Neonatal NDFU clinics help transition high-risk infants home.. · Interdisciplinary neonatal intensive care unit follow-up brings together previously separated outpatient service lines.. · This study reviews the current state of neonatal NDFU in North America..
