-
Size:
What is the total number of cases that have been treated
and what have their results been? Size isn't always a key
to excellence, but in this case, bigger may be better.
Larger programs tend to have more expertise and a greater
depth of resources.
-
Around-the-clock care: Is a dedicated neonatologist
and respiratory
therapist
on site at all times, 24 hours a day? (You don't want a
delay of care if your child is in distress.)
-
Nutritional care: How are the nutritional needs of
your infant addressed during his or her stay in the NICU?
Is a milk bank available? Is there a team responsible for
regular nutritional evaluations of each baby? Many
premature infants suffer from digestive ailments that, if
left untreated, can delay their development and release
from the NICU.
-
Respiratory care: Are all the latest
respiratory
therapies available, including high-frequency ventilation,
nitric oxide therapy or
ECMO (extra corporeal membrane
oxygenation)?
Respiratory problems are among the most
common challenges faced in the NICU, and transferring an
infant may delay needed treatment.
-
Environmental controls: Are efforts made to minimize
the effects of sound and light on NICU patients? Studies
have shown that these tiny patients do better when noise
is minimized and direct light is reduced.
-
Parental support: What support services are available
to parents? Do they have unlimited visiting and/or
accommodations on site or nearby for the duration of the
child's stay? Are counseling and social support services
available? A long-term NICU stay can be as hard on mom and
dad as it is on the infant.
-
Unnecessary tests: Are there guidelines in place to
eliminate unnecessary tests? Fewer tests mean less stress
for the baby.
-
Team
approach: Is there a multi-disciplinary approach to
your infant's care? A team that includes all care
providers including physical therapists, occupational
therapists, developmental specialists and other experts
can analyze the full scope of an infant's progress and
address problems as they arise.
-
Preparation for release: How will the NICU prepare for
sending your baby home? Will they involve your
pediatrician in planning for your baby's release and train
him/her to handle aftercare requirements? Do parents get
training and a thorough explanation of what to expect?
Training can make a big difference in a family's ability
to cope with the demands of a fragile infant.
-
Ongoing research: What
research is currently underway
at the NICU you are considering? The pace of improvements
in medical care is rapid, and research is a good indicator
of whether your NICU is a leader in implementing
beneficial changes.
