Outcome of clinical nurse specialist-led hyperbilirubinemia screening of late preterm newborns

摘要

Purpose/Objective: The purpose of this project was to implement universal screening of all late preterm newborns for hyperbilirubinemia in a level I newborn nursery. Rationale/Background: Late preterm newborns have traditionally received the same level of care and monitoring as term newborns despite being at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Description of the Project: An interdisciplinary clinical nurse specialist-led team guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice developed, piloted, and evaluated a standardized, coordinated approach to universal screening, assessment, and management of hyperbilirubinemia for late preterm newborns. Outcomes: The readmission rate of late preterm newborns with hyperbilirubinemia in the 30 days after birth was reduced to zero, providing evidence of programmatic effectiveness. Interpretation/Conclusion: Universal screening of late preterm newborns for hyperbilirubinemia significantly improved outcomes in this vulnerable population. Implications: Detection of hyperbilirubinemia through universal screening of late preterm newborns is recommended in newborn nurseries.