Julia Yeary, Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Vincent C. Smith, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Abstract
There is an increased recognition for the need to have national guidance for discharge preparation and transition planning for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as a key component of family-centered NICU care (Vohr, 2022). As babies transition home, many still have special care needs. The National Perinatal Association recognized this need and convened a working group to create national guidelines reflecting the best available evidence from across disciplines. Recently published, the Interdisciplinary Guidelines and Recommendations for NICU Discharge Preparation and Transition Planning (Smith et al., 2002b) provide clear and concise guidance that is both general and adaptable while also being specific and actionable. The Discharge Guidelines promote starting where the family is, recognizing each family’s unique make-up, values, beliefs, and cultural norms.
