Pallás‐Alonso CR, Loureiro B, De la Cruz Bértolo J, García P, Ginovart G, Jiménez A, Martín Y, Soriano J, Torres MJ, Vento M. Spanish survey on follow-up programmes for children born very preterm.
Acta Paediatr 2019;
108:1042-1048. [PMID:
30447072 PMCID:
PMC7586806 DOI:
10.1111/apa.14647]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM
To describe variations in practice between follow-up programmes for very preterm children born at less than 32 weeks' gestation or with very low birth weight of less than 1,500 g.
METHODS
A survey on follow-up practices was electronically distributed to level II and III units among hospitals of the Spanish National Health Service in 2016. The survey included 70 questions covering issues such as follow-up organisation and resources, routine assessments, relationships with other services and families, information management and training.
RESULTS
The response rate was 91.5% (141/154). Among respondents, 70.9% (100/141) reported that they do provide follow-up and 42% do so up to six years of age. Routine neurological and ophthalmological follow-up is not performed in 60% and 37% of hospitals, respectively, and a second hearing assessment is not given in 62%. Just 38% of units have psychologist. In 41% of hospitals, training in follow-up skills is not included in Paediatric Residency training programme.
CONCLUSION
Although Spain has a nationwide health system that provides universal health coverage, we found that follow-up care for children born very preterm/very low birth weight is not equitable. Nearly half of paediatric residents receive no training in follow-up for this high-risk population.
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