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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2328-6024
Original Article

Neonatologist at the Well-Child Clinic: A High-Risk Infant Follow-up Pilot Study

Stephen M. Reingold 
1   Department of Public Health, Municipality of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
,
Liora Yotvat
1   Department of Public Health, Municipality of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
,
Michael S. Schimmel
1   Department of Public Health, Municipality of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
2   Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective High-risk infant follow-up (HRIF) is a complex process lacking standardization. We present a simple, single-provider model that proved effective and is well-received by caregivers.

Study Design In this study, we measured caregiver use and satisfaction with an HRIF visit attended by an experienced neonatologist in a well-care setting, soon after discharge.

Results One hundred parents participated in the survey. Among the infants of these parents, 78% of infants were seen in the first 3 months of life and 39% within 1 month of discharge. Nutrition (98%) and development (97%) were the most commonly discussed topics, followed by general health (95%), iron supplementation (93%), and head size (90%). Using a 5-point Likert's scale, with 5 being the highest rating, parents responded that the meeting answered their questions (4.7, n = 93), organized their infants' needs (4.6, n = 90), and increased their confidence in caring for their infants (4.65, n = 92).

Conclusion HRIF with an experienced neonatologist is an effective means of increasing parents' understanding of their infants' medical needs and confidence in caring for their infants.

Key Points

  • Meeting with a neonatologist after discharge addressed many crucial aspects of patient care.

  • Meeting with a neonatologist after discharge was met with a high level of caregiver satisfaction.

  • Neonatal consultation in the community may promote caregiver confidence in caring for their infant.

  • Neonatal consultation reduced parental anxiety, especially regarding growth and development.

Keywords

high-risk infant follow-up - prematurity - community care - neonatologist

Authors' Contributions

M.S.S. and S.M.R. conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the manuscript, and critically reviewed and revised the manuscript.


L.Y. designed the data collection instruments, collected the data, performed initial analysis, and critically reviewed the manuscript.


All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 28 November 2023

Accepted: 15 May 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 May 2024

Article published online:
18 June 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
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