| Neonatal planning |
- Neonatal status and readiness:
- Able to maintain temperature in open crib with normal ambient temperature
- Adequate cardiorespiratory control without episodes of apnea and bradycardia
- Adequate intake to promote appropriate growth and demonstrated a consistent pattern of appropriate weight prior to discharge
- Able to sleep in a flat and supine position
- Completion of routine screening including:
- Metabolic and genetic disorders
- Retinopathy of prematurity for infants with gestational age <30 weeks
- Hearing screening using auditory brainstem response
- Other screening tests based on clinical settings may include brain imaging and laboratory studies (eg, complete blood count or alkaline phosphatase)
- Routine immunization based on chronological age consistent with the schedule and dose recommended for normal full-term infants
- Passing car seat/bed test
- Identify specialized needs for individual patients, including medication, formula, medical equipment, and in cases of incurable terminal conditions, hospice care
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| Family planning |
- Parental education and readiness:
- Demonstrate competency in the daily care of their infant
- Demonstrate knowledge of normal behavior of their infant and ability to recognize signs and symptoms of illnesses that require medical consultation
- Understand safety (eg, sleep position and environment) and coping measures for the care of their infant
- Home environment preparation:
- Obtain the necessary supplies and equipment needed for the daily care of their infant
- Evaluation of social and financial needs that may require additional supports, and if needed, appropriate referrals are made
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| Transition planning and post-discharge care |
- Primary care provider:
- An appointment with a primary care provider (PCP) with expertise in the care of graduates from the NICU is scheduled within 48 to 72 hours after discharge
- Prior communication between the NICU team and PCP has occurred with review of the infant's NICU course and a summary of ongoing care issues
- Specialty follow-up:
- If appropriate, appointments scheduled for post-discharge follow-up with subspecialty services
- Community services:
- If appropriate, follow-up with community services
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