Complex Surgical Infants Benefit from Postdischarge Telemedicine Visits

April Willard*, Elizabeth Brown, Marjorie Masten, Marisa Brant, Nicole Pouppirt, Kevin Moran, Janet Lioy, John Chuo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home is challenging for caregivers of complex surgical infants. A prospective, observational cohort pilot study using telemedicine to improve transition was implemented in a quaternary level IV NICU. Purpose: (1) To assess, identify, and resolve patient care concerns in the immediate postdischarge period. (2) To improve caregiver knowledge and care practices. Design Methods: Caregivers of medically complex infants participated in telemedicine visits with neonatal providers within 1 week of discharge. Providers reviewed infant health, equipment use, and outpatient follow-up. Video was used to visualize the infant, home environment, and care practices. Caregivers completed a postvisit satisfaction survey. Results: Ninety-three visits were performed from May 2015 to March 2017. Seventy-six percent of visits were postsurgery patients. Seventy-eight postdischarge issues were identified: medication administration (13%), respiratory (19%), feeding (33%), and surgical site (35%). Fifty percent of caregivers reported that telemedicine visits prevented an additional call or visit to a clinician; 12% prompted an earlier visit (n = 93). Caregiver satisfaction rating was high. Median estimation of total mileage saved by respondents was 1755 miles. Conclusions: Postdischarge telemedicine visits with complex surgical NICU graduates identify clinical issues, provide caregivers with support, and save travel time. Advanced practice nurses are instrumental in patient recruitment, with patient visits, and in providing postdischarge continuity of care. Barriers to implementation were identified. Implication for Practice and Research: A randomized controlled study is warranted to measure the value of telemedicine visits for specific patient cohorts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)22-30
Number of pages9
JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2018

Keywords

  • NICU
  • discharge
  • follow-up
  • healthcare utilization
  • neonatal
  • nurse practitioner
  • pediatric surgery
  • prospective cohort study
  • telehealth
  • telemedicine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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