Kristie McNealy, MD

A survey sponsored by MedImmune, the makers of Synagis, shows worrisome gaps in health care provided to preemies. MedImmune surveyed 202 neonatologists and pediatricians about current attitudes and practices when caring for the specialized health needs of preterm infants. Sadly, 70% of respondents felt that the health care system in the US failed place enough emphasis on or dedicate enough resources to preventive health care for preemies.

The survey also showed that pediatricians and neonatologists who had practiced longer were more diligent about providing and obtaining records related to an infant’s premature birth and hospital stay than their less experienced peers. Only 3% of responding neonatologists with less than ten years of experience felt it was important to provide parents with a copy of their baby’s discharge plan, and only 47% of pediatricians with ten or fewer years of experience spoke with a neonatologist or obtained medical records relating to a preemie’s NICU stay. Less experienced pediatricians were also less likely to have ongoing communication with a patient’s neonatologist during the first few months after discharge.

Late preterm infants are also slipping through the cracks, with 58% of 34-35 week preemies being considered healthy and at low risk for RSV by their doctors, despite research showing that even late preterm babies are at an increased risk for death during the first year when compared to their term peers.

On a positive note, most doctors who felt the US health care system was deficient in providing care for preemies was willing to advocate for more preventive health services for them. Now let’s see them get out there and actually do something about it! And, while they’re at it, maybe they could toss in a little education for the general public . . .

Similar Posts:

• Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Preemie – Blogging for Prematurity Awareness
• Saving Preemie Lives at Any Price?
• Kangaroo Care Eases Preemie Pain
• Prematurity Awareness Month Facts Everyone Should Care About