Related Experiment Videos
Healthy connections: a relational model to extend primary care into the perinatal period
D J Karl1, D Limbo, V J Ricker
1Healthy Connections Program, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Insights
This pediatric hospital initiative extends primary care to newborns using nurse practitioners. The program improves early healthcare compliance and reduces emergency visits, enhancing family satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Primary Health Care
- Nursing
Background:
- Quality primary health care models are essential for pediatric populations.
- Urban pediatric hospitals face challenges in extending care to the perinatal period.
- Existing healthcare models often lack comprehensive, family-centered perinatal services.
Observation:
- An urban pediatric hospital implemented a newborn intervention program.
- Nurse practitioners deliver services using a relational, family-focused approach.
- Care extends from birth through the first primary care visit.
Findings:
- The program significantly improved primary care compliance in the first four months of life.
- A notable reduction in newborn emergency department visits was observed.
- High levels of both consumer and provider satisfaction were documented.
Implications:
- This model demonstrates effective extension of primary care into the perinatal period.
- Relational, family-centered nursing interventions can enhance pediatric healthcare outcomes.
- Successful programs can reduce healthcare system strain and improve patient experiences.
Abstract:
The need for quality models of primary health care is evident. This article describes one urban pediatric hospital initiative that has extended primary care to the perinatal period. Through this well-established newborn intervention program, nurse practitioners use a relational approach to provide comprehensive, family-focused services from the time of birth until the first primary care visit. The program has greatly improved compliance with primary care in the first 4 months of life, reduced newborn emergency department visits, and documented both consumer and provider satisfaction.