Study of neonatal outcome during follow-up post neonatal intensive care unit discharge with or without parental observational checklist
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262421Keywords:
Checklist, Family integration, Preterm neonate, Postnatal care, OutcomeAbstract
Background: Checklist is a simple intervention tool which helps in early identification and treatment of new-borns. The aim is to study impact of parental observational checklists on neonatal outcomes during the early follow-up period post-NICU discharge.
Methods: An Observational prospective study was conducted in a tertiary institute wherein 135 neonates with weight of 1000 gms to 1500 gms were enrolled. A random sampling was used to form two groups. Parents in group A (n=64) received a structured pictorial checklist in addition to routine discharge advice, while those in group B (n=71) received routine discharge advice. During follow-up at 7th and 28th day checklist was analyzed and both groups were compared in terms of number of readmissions, mortality rates, weight gain, and the number of emergency visits to healthcare workers.
Results: The neonates in group A showed higher follow-up adherence (92.2% vs. 76.1%, p=0.011) and higher weight gain at 28th day with mean weight being 1.90±0.22 kg in checklist group compared to 1.79±0.19 kg in group B (p=0.043). Re-admissions and emergency room visits were higher in the checklist group, reflecting timely health-seeking behaviour. Mortality was lower in the checklist group (4.7% vs. 7.0%). Majority of deaths in group A occurred after hospital admission as compared to group B suggesting earlier recognition and timely referral by checklist group.
Conclusions: Health workers do use checklist but, educating parents with a simple pictorial checklist after NICU discharge significantly improves neonatal survival and follow-up adherence. By early recognition of danger signs, this tool reduces mortality and strengthens post-discharge care in preterm in low- resource setting.
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