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A family medicine approach to the premature infant
1Family Practice Residency Program, St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Insights
Family physicians play a vital role in caring for premature infants. This article provides guidance on inpatient care, discharge planning, and outpatient follow-up for these special needs infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Family medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Premature birth rates are rising globally.
- Premature infants require specialized care.
- Family physicians are integral to the care of premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide recommendations for the care of premature infants.
- To emphasize the role of family physicians in managing premature infants.
- To guide inpatient care, discharge planning, and outpatient follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE database (1991-1996).
- Inclusion of clinical reviews and original studies.
- Supplemented with cross-references and textbooks.
Main Results:
- Key findings from the literature review on premature infant care.
- Identification of best practices for different care stages.
- Evidence supporting the family physician's role.
Conclusions:
- Recommendations for comprehensive care of premature infants and their families.
- Highlights the essential contributions of family physicians.
- Ensures continuity of care from hospital to home.
Background:
An increasing number of infants are born prematurely each year. Their care involves special needs and can include the active involvement of a family physician.
Methods:
The MEDLINE database was searched for clinical reviews and original studies on primary care of the premature infant for the years of 1991-1996. Further sources included cross-references from these articles and standard textbooks.
Results And Conclusions:
This article makes recommendations for inpatient care, discharge planning, and outpatient follow-up of premature infants and their families. The role of the family physician is emphasized.