NICE calls for more support for pre-term babies

NICE have advised in their latest draft quality standard, that families are not being adequately supported when having a preterm baby. The new standards state that babies should be offered developmental check-ups to help identify disorders or problems early on.

The draft standard aims to improve the follow-up care families are provided when discharge from hospital is planned with a preterm baby.

Preterm babies have a higher risk of short-term and long-term developmental problems and disorders the more premature they are. This includes a higher risk of motor function problems, learning difficulties or cerebral palsy.

The key standards include:

Parents or carers of a preterm baby should agree on a discharge plan with maternity services.

Children born before 28+0 weeks’ gestation should have a developmental assessment at age four years

Parents or carers of a preterm baby, who should have extra support as they have or are at risk of having developmental problems or disorders, are provided with a single point of contact for outreach care within the neonatal service.

Children born preterm, who should have extra support as they have or are at risk of having developmental problems or disorders, have at least two face-to-face visits in the first year and an assessment at two years that focus on development.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at NICE, said:

“Families can feel under-prepared and anxious when their child is born preterm. This draft quality standard outlines the high priority areas that need to be addressed so that families receive the right support…Identifying any developmental problems early on is key. This ensures specialist help can be provided before a child starts school that will help them make the most of their opportunities for school-based learning.”

For more on this story see NICE article here