Who Is at Risk? High-Risk Infant Follow-up

Plans for discharge home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) should begin with identification of which infants are at-risk for developing disability or early demise. As much as possible, this article serves as an evidenced-based review for identifying vulnerable infants in the NICU who are at higher risk for morbidity or early mortality. This article draws on the American Association of Pediatrics recommendations that highlight the responsibilities of the NICU team to recognize risk, plan discharge, and assist with transitioning care post discharge. Nurses, as professional team members, are ideal for identifying at-risk status, devising individualized discharge plans, and assuring referrals to high-risk infant follow-up (HRIF). HRIF programs bridge care pre and post NICU discharge to assure that infants with complex issues and special needs reach optimal health and developmental levels.