Management of neonates after postpartum discharge and all children in the ambulatory setting during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Katherine L. Harriel, Dawn Nolt, Scot Moore, Susan Kressly, Henry Hank Bernstein

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThe present coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created additional challenges with an increased number of presumed healthy, full-term newborns being discharged at 24 h after delivery. Short lengths of stay raise the possibility of mother-infant dyads being less ready for discharge, defined as at least one of the three informants (i.e., mother, pediatrician, and obstetrician) believing that either the mother and/or infant should stay longer than the proposed time of discharge. This public health crisis has reduced the number of in-person well child visits, negatively impacting vaccine receipt, and anticipatory guidance.Recent findingsExtra precautions should be taken during the transition period between postpartum discharge and follow-up in the ambulatory setting to ensure the safety of all patients and practice team members. This should include restructuring office flow by visit type and location, limiting in-person visits during well infant exams, instituting proper procedures for personal protective equipment and for cleaning of the office, expanding telehealth capabilities for care and education, and prioritizing universal vaccinations and routine well child screenings.SummaryBased on current limited evidence, this report provides guidance for the postdischarge management of newborns born to mothers with confirmed or suspected disease in the ambulatory setting as well as prioritizing universal immunizations and routine well child screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)610-618
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Opinion in Pediatrics
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2020

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • ambulatory practice management
  • coronavirus disease 2019
  • newborns
  • postpartum discharge
  • severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
  • well child visits

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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