Evergreen Hospital Medical Center - High Risk Infant Follow-up
Project Description:
Low birth weight is a major risk factor in compromising the early development and long term outcomes for children. Screening and early identification of developmental problems in children discharged from Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) can decrease long term problems through early intervention. CHDD has provided such follow-up services in the Seattle area since 1977. A priority long-term goal is to expand NICU follow-up services across western Washington so that the children with the lowest birth weights can receive follow-up care near their homes across this geographical area. In this project, a CHDD developmental psychologist evaluates low-birth weight children who were discharged from the NICU at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center (EHMC), a local community hospital. The psychologist performs his neurodevelopmental evaluations of the children when they are 12 and 24 months past their due dates. This work is done in collaboration with EHMC physical therapists, neonatologists, nurse specialists and nutritionists in an interdisciplinary model. Children are followed for two years and those who are identified as having delays are referred for early intervention services.
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Other
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
