Australia has introduced its first national guidelines to enhance the long-term health of very preterm babies. Developed by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), these guidelines focus on the care of babies born before 32 weeks’ gestation, from hospital discharge until they turn six.
Every year, about 3,500 Australian babies are born preterm, with around 60 percent experiencing health issues including growth, neurodevelopmental and language delays. Although medical advances have improved survival rates for very preterm babies, many children miss out on crucial early interventions due to inconsistent follow-up care.
Professor Jeanie Cheong from MCRI highlights the importance of these guidelines, saying, “Early detection of health and developmental issues is vital. These guidelines provide a framework to guide health professionals and inform families.”
The guidelines call for a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to care. This ensures every preterm infant has access to a team of healthcare professionals, reducing the burden on families and improving care efficiency. Dr Jamie Owen from MCRI explains, “Follow-up care needs to be tailored to each child and initiated by the hospital’s NICU team. Coordination between healthcare providers is essential.”
Parents like Sarah Kirby, whose son Teddy was born at 26 weeks, find these guidelines reassuring. “Having a standard guideline gives parents support when they leave the hospital, ensuring consistent health checks,” she says.
Emma Byers, mother of preterm twins, emphasises the need for mental health support for families. “The emotional support in the hospital was amazing, but there was a disconnect once we came home. These guidelines can help ensure continuous support,” she shares.
The guidelines have been approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and will be reviewed every five years to stay current with the latest research.
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