Home phototherapy for neonatal jaundice - technology and team work meeting consumer and service need

Abstract

32 babies with uncomplicated physiological jaundice received home phototherapy from a hospital /community team in southern Brisbane. All babies showed acceptable reductions in their serumbilirubin on home therapy, and none required hospital re-admission for phototherapy. Their familieswere highly satisfied with the home program, and recorded high levels of confidence in their therapeuticresponsibilities. Community providers were able to deliver a high quality 24-hour service, integratedwith appropriate neonatology support. The cost of delivering the home program was significantly lessthan a comparable hospital stay.