Developmment of an evidence-based family-centered neonatal discharge pathway

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Lorraine Shields

California Baptist University, USA

: J Womens Health, Issues Care

Abstract

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Purpose of the Session: Present the development of an evidence-based neonatal discharge pathway based on the core principles of family-centered care (FCC). The pathway is designed to increase parent participation in care and improve parent readiness and confidence in assuming full care of their high-risk neonate. Background and Importance of the Topic: Despite the abundance of evidence supporting FCC and comprehensive discharge teaching processes, implementation of FCC practices continues to be a challenge/inconsistencies in discharge teaching processes persist. A neonatal release pathway with particular training progress focuses: gives a more exhaustive release process, incorporates the standards of family-focused care into all care hones, improves the organization between the medical caretaker and the family, and guarantees guardians are included early and all through their baby's NICU travel. Conclusion: The scientific development of the pathway based on the European Pathway Association’s method for pathway development. The pathway’s teaching topics and transition points for teaching. 3. Integration of Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations emphasizing the partnership between the nurse and the family. A discussion on how families desire to participate but do not have an understanding of when and how to participate. A family-friendly bedside poster is presented which enables the family and all staff to view and track the infant/family’s progress and readiness toward discharge. A plan for implementation (parent and staff education). Highlights of nursing’s vital contribution to the development of evidence-based practice and to the improvement in patient/family outcomes.

Biography

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Lorraine Shields received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the UCLA School of Nursing and completed her Doctoral work at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville Tennessee. She is currently Assistant Professor of Nursing in the graduate nurse practitioner program at California Baptist University College of Nursing in Riverside California. She has 38 years experience in Neonatal Nursing as a bedside nurse, transport nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She has served many positions in the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. Her passions include neonatal developmental care, familycentered care, and excellence in nursing.

E-mail: lshields@calbaptist.edu