I need Help for a difficult discharge!!

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi, I have been taking care of a baby for the last 5 1/2 months who is about to go home. This baby was a 23 weeker who has extensive brain damage, to the point that she can not maintain her own temperature without a heat surce. At present she is on a water circulating heating pad. The home care company does not have these. We have never sent home a baby with this need. Does anyone know were i might find one of these for the parents to purchase? Or have you had an experience of this kind and used a different device? this is a really wonderful family and i would appreciate any suggestion or help you can give. Thanks so much

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I would be nervous discharging a pt home with one of these because of the potential for burns. Any other alternatives? What does social services say?

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Thanks for the reply, this is not an electric heating pad, she has been on for weeks in the hospital with no problems, Social services is working on it, but so am I, anyway thanks for replying

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Is there any chance that the hospital can rent/lend one to this family?

Long shot, I know, but just a thought.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Do you have a comprehensive care floor? Or care management? They would be the best ones to go to for this. :)

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Our discharge planners are workign on this, but already one home care company can not provide this, so i am doing alittle research of my own to see what i can find out. thanks for the suggestions

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Would a portable overhead radiant warmer or heat lamp be suitable? While the heating pad is helpful when the baby is resting in her crib or in someone's arms, I would be afraid for her temperature stability during bathing, dressing, and other times when the pad would not be practical to use.

We had a similar case a while back involving a severely asphyxiated full term infant who also could not maintain her temp. After extensive teaching, she was DC'd to a care facility, only to be readmitted a few days later hypothermic following a bath.

It is such a challenge with these kids.

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