Improving Transition from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Home: HowsYourBaby.com Andrew South, MD, MPH Anne Ramirez, RNC, MSN

Introduction NC NICU’s care for >8000 newborns/year –Prematurity –Infection –Birth defects Survival improved Medical problems persist after the time of discharge

The Problem Poor communication between caregivers and parents Lack of parental understanding of medical conditions and implications Lack of parental confidence in caring for their infant

Family Centered Care Treat people with dignity and respect Communicate information meaningfully Encourage family participation and independence Collaboration of all involved in care to guide policy and program development and delivery of care

Family Centered Care Benefits of Family Centered Care: –Shorter length of stay –Improved satisfaction with care –Fewer re-admissions –Improved rates of breast feeding –Reduced parental stress –Improved parental comfort and competence with post-discharge care

Family Centered Care The keys: –Empowerment Day to day care Medical decision making –Motivation

HowsYourBaby

HYB now: –Survey tool –Discharge only HYB future: –Survey tool –Interactive –Can be used throughout hospitalization

Potential Benefits Primary Objective: To enhance parent participation in the care of their infants Measured Outcomes: –Improved parent satisfaction –Improved confidence in caring for infants –Improved medical outcomes Re-hospitalization in the first 2 weeks after discharge