Influences of a Remote Monitoring Program of Home Nasogastric Tube Feeds on Transition from NICU to Home

Abstract

Objective The transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to the home is complex and multifaceted for families and infants, particularly those with ongoing medical needs. Our hospital utilizes a remote monitoring program called Growing @ Home (G@H) to support discharge from the NICU with continued nasogastric tube (NGT) feeds. We aim to describe the experience of the transition from NICU to home for families enrolled in G@H.

Study Design Using a semistructured interviewing technique, parents of infants discharged on G@H were interviewed at NICU discharge, at 1 month, and at 6 months after NICU discharge. Interviews were recorded and transcribed into data analysis software. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Codes were assigned to describe key elements of the interviews and used to identify major themes.

Results Parents (n = 17) identified three major themes when discussing the effect of G@H on the transition to home. The program provided a means of escape from the NICU, allowing families to stop living split lives between their homes and the NICU. It acted as a middle ground between the restrictive yet supportive NICU environment, and the normal yet isolated home environment. G@H served as a safety net for families, providing a continued connection to the NICU for their still-fragile infants.

Conclusion G@H utilizes telehealth to positively support the complex transition from NICU to home for families and infants discharged with NGT feeds.

Key Points

• G@H program supported parents in their transition from NICU to home.

• G@H program provided a means of escape from the NICU.

• G@H program was a middle ground between the NICU and home.

• G@H program created a safety net after discharge.

• Follow-up with a consistent provider was essential to a positive parent experience.

Keywords

neonatal intensive care - patient discharge - remote monitoring - nasogastric tube - telehealth - parent engagement - neonatal transition to home - neonatal feeding

Authors' Contributions

M.Q. conceptualized and designed the study, conducted interviews, coded data, conducted initial analysis and interpretation of data, participated in the initial drafting of the manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. S.B-W. conceptualized and designed the study, coded data, participated in the initial drafting of the manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. J.B.W. conceptualized and designed the study, participated in patient recruitment and consent, participated in initial drafting of the manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors critically reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content, approved the final manuscript as submitted, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Ethical Approval

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Oregon Health and Science University (approval no.: 22964). The study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Publication History

Received: 19 February 2024

Accepted: 13 June 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
18 June 2024

Article published online:
11 July 2024

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