Continuity of Care – What it Means for Parents?

   

Most of us know that hospital stays can be scary. Even just one, overnight stay can feel long and exhausting; and, for parents of preemies, a hospital stay holds a great deal of uncertainty for their baby. Leading hospitals to figure out away to execute continuity of care for baby’s in NICU, whereby reducing an infant’s stay in-hospital.

Brenner Children’s in North Carolina – USA

One hospital has done just that; Brenner Children’s Hospital in North Carolina—USA. The NICU leadership completed an exhaustive review and assessment of care given to every patient in NICU. Using surveys, historical medical records, existing medical records, patient experiences, and tracking patient re-admission rates. With that data, the researchers discovered that better communication about the continuity of care for NICU patients reduced the length of stay by 6.5 days for patients in NICU. The bottom line, patient care teams guarantee a standard of care for better patient outcomes.

What Continuity of Care Means for You, as the Parent of A Preemie?

Not all births are predictable; and, for some parents they know to expect a premature birth. Giving pause for parents to ask, what does that mean for them as a parent of preemie? Well, no matter what the circumstances are, it is important to prepare and educate oneself about the options available to you as a parent of a preemie in NICU. This is where continuity of care can help. By giving parents a seat in the room with their preemie’s care team.

A Vital Element to Continuity of Care

A vital element in continuity of care is giving the parents a seat at the table and complete access to the care teams discussion in the care for their baby. On a weekly basis, your preemie’s care team, which includes an exhaustive list of specialists, will come together to discuss and determine the very best of care for your baby. This weekly step is designed for better patient outcomes, which can lead to an early discharge.

So, be sure to ask your baby’s Primary Nurse about continuity of care within NICU and how you can become involved in those weekly care team meetings. After all you want what’s “best for baby!”