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Routine follow‐up of preterm infants in New Zealand
Author(s) -
Gledhill Nicole,
Scott Gabrielle,
Vries Nathalie KS
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.13787
Subject(s) - medicine , pediatrics , gestational age , low birth weight , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Aim To describe the routine follow‐up of preterm infants by different District Health Boards ( DHBs ) in New Zealand ( NZ ), and to compare current practice with international guidelines. Methods A descriptive survey of the existing routine follow‐up management of preterm infants in NZ . From November 2015 until January 2016, a questionnaire was sent out across NZ to one paediatrician ( n = 24) and one Child Development Service ( CDS ) ( n = 20) from each DHB . All paediatricians responded and 85% of the CDSs responded. Responses were collated and compared to recommendations from paediatric literature. Results There is tremendous variation across NZ of the eligibility criteria for routine preterm follow‐up. Overall, a gestational age of <32 weeks and/or birthweight <1500 g was the most commonly used indication for routine preterm follow‐up. The timing of visits and the assessments that were performed varied enormously. Respondents commonly reported that limited funding and resources prevented optimal follow‐up management. Conclusion There is regional disparity in the routine follow‐up that preterm infants receive in NZ . A standardised approach to follow‐up of preterm infants across NZ , as recommended in the literature, is difficult due to the lack of funding and resources.