Implementation of a pilot electronic parent support tool in and after neonatal intensive care unit discharge. J Perinatol 2022 Aug;42(8):1110-1117
Date
02/09/2022Pubmed ID
35132150Pubmed Central ID
PMC8819205DOI
10.1038/s41372-021-01303-3Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85124345548 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 2 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe an electronic parent support tool for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to assess whether support requests changed with staff availability.
METHODS: We implemented secure text- or email-based parent support in the NICU and in the week after discharge. Questionnaires asked whether a parent would like psychology, social work, child life, chaplain, or post-discharge nurse support. Requested referrals were placed, and customized online resources and contacts were provided. We assessed whether requests changed based on in-person resource availability.
RESULTS: Of 378 infants in our NICU from May to December, 202 parents agreed to participate. The proportion agreeing to participate increased over time (38-59%, p = 0.012). Post-discharge nurse requests decreased over time (90-45%, p = 0.033); other requests did not change significantly.
CONCLUSIONS: An electronic tool increased parent support availability in the NICU and following discharge, even after staff were available at the bedside.
Author List
Lagatta J, Malnory M, Fischer E, Davis M, Radke-Connell P, Weber C, Cohen SAuthors
Susan Cohen MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinElizabeth Fischer PhD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Joanne M. Lagatta MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AftercareChild
Electronics
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Parents
Patient Discharge
