Work

Medical and sociodemographic characteristics related to feeding therapy referral and service provision for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the scope of feeding therapy for preterm infants in the NICU and medical and sociodemographic factors related to feeding therapy referral and service provision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of infants born <37 weeks gestation in a level IV NICU between January 2017 and December 2019. RESULT: Among 547 infants, 27% of infants received a feeding therapy referral, and 74% of those referrals were problem-based referrals. Feeding therapy referrals were more likely among infants with lower gestational ages and birthweights (both p < 0.001). In addition, infants with greater medical complexity, who required oxygen at 36 weeks, who had a history of mechanical ventilation, and who had a higher postmenstrual age at discharge were more likely to be referred to feeding therapy (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While medical factors relate to feeding therapy referrals, there are other complex person and system factors that determine feeding therapy referral and service provision.

Source: Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02184-y

Authors: Tiana T. Nguyen, Roberta Pineda, Stacey Reynolds, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Audrey E. Kane

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, Virginia Commonwealth University, Samuel Merritt University, University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Infant Development and Preterm Care

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,590