Home phototherapy: a call to action

Home phototherapy has been suggested as a viable treatment option for over forty years. Recent policy updates from the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as published experience and outcomes from several countries have reinforced the feasibility and safety of home phototherapy. Despite endorsement from the AAP and ample evidence of effectiveness, implementation in clinical practice has been inconsistent, erratic, infrequent and not actively considered by most practicing pediatricians and even the families.

To inform future efforts promoting clinical and community awareness and initiate the development of a standardized curriculum and enable its implementation.

A review of implementation barriers in published materials and from an expert panel.

Home phototherapy can be promoted with family friendly protocol and structured home implementation and monitoring that ensures prevention of adverse vents such that it is endorsed by families, clinicians, care-providers and payors. A global Delphi consensus study is urgently needed to address observed variability and to inform the development of a framework that meets the expectations for different healthcare systems.