EUROPEAN STANDARDS OF CARE FOR NEWBORN HEALTH

Abstract

Medical treatment and care for preterm and sick newborn babies in European countries varies greatly. Significant differences are not only limited to the survival rates of such infants. In some European countries, preterm birth is also more commonly associated with chronic physical and mental disability than in others. This effect is exacerbated by the fact that in some parts of Europe, further assistance to these vulnerable children after discharge from the hospital (follow-up and early intervention) is not structured or even does not exist at all. Given the high level of inequality in health care delivery, agreed definitions and clear recommendations for infrastructure, medical processes, care procedures, and staffing capabilities are needed to compare and adjust the conditions of care in Europe. Therefore, there is an absolute need to ensure that high-level care is equally available throughout and for everyone. European standards of care for newborn health, developed on the initiative and under the project of the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI), will help to overcome differences in clinical practice, structure and organization of care, as well as training of healthcare professionals. This publication presents the part of the standards regarding health care for preterm and sick infants.