Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Families of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms that often persist well beyond transition from the NICU. While NICU professionals provide vital medical care for high-risk infants, they also offer interdisciplinary support for families, including collaboration with psychosocial and psychiatric services in select settings. Despite psychosocial support systems often being present during NICU hospitalization, significant gaps remain in post-NICU mental health support for parents. Comprehensive discharge preparation and outpatient follow-up planning for infants, as well as their families, are essential to optimize both long-term outcomes and the well-being of the entire family unit. In this paper, we review current evidence regarding mental health risks for families during transitions of care and highlight practice recommendations and advocacy opportunities for enhanced family-centered, interdisciplinary follow-up care after transition from the NICU.
Source: Journal of Perinatology
Authors: Sarah A. Swenson, Riddhi K. Desai, Suganthinie Velagala, Margaret K. Hoge, Zeyar Htun, Cara Beth Carr, Kelly Roush, Cindy H. Liu, Katherine Maddox, Carmina Erdei
Institutions: University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska Medical Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Case Western Reserve University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,790
Funder: American Academy of Pediatrics
OpenAlex ID: W4416724066