Quality Indices and Outcomes of a Neonatology Telerounding Program in a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Single-Center Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective The objective of this program evaluation was to describe the outcomes of daily neonatologist telerounding with the onsite advanced practice provider (APP) in a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Study Design Bedside telerounding occurred with an onsite APP using a telehealth cart and paired Bluetooth stethoscope. Data collected by longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys and chart review before (May 2019–February 2020) and during (March 2020–February 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results A total of 258 patients were admitted to the Level II NICU before (May 2019–February 2020) and during (March 2020–February 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic characteristics and outcomes, including breastfeeding at discharge and length of stay were similar pre- and postonset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Postrounding surveys by 10 (response rate 83%) neonatologists indicated parents were present in 80 (77%) of rounds and video was at least somewhat helpful in 94% of cases. Cross-sectional survey responses of 23 neonatologists and APPs (response rate 62%) indicated satisfaction with the program. Common themes on qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses were “need for goodness of fit” and “another set of eyes” and “opportunities for use.” Conclusion Daily telerounding with neonatologists and APPs in a Level II NICU supported neonatal care. Quality metrics and clinical outcomes are described with no differences seen before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Points