Introduction / Rationale: The transition from hospital to home is critical for high-risk infants, often leaving families struggling with medical needs and developmental concerns. Many require specialized therapy, yet gaps in service access persist. The Baby Bridge Program was created to address these issues, ensuring immediate home health therapy post-NICU discharge to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes.
Objectives:
- Identify challenges in the NICU-to-home transition.
- Highlight the role of early therapy intervention.
- Present evidence supporting home health therapy’s impact.
- Provide a framework for NICU follow-up programs.
Methods / Approach: A review of literature and case studies will showcase best practices for home-based therapy interventions. Key program components, including caregiver education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and standardized assessments, will be discussed. Data will illustrate the impact of structured therapy on development and caregiver confidence.
Results / Practice Implications: Early home interventions enhance neurodevelopment, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve cost-effectiveness. Caregiver education strengthens adherence to therapy, ensuring long-term benefits. The Baby Bridge Program serves as a scalable model for integrating home-based therapy into transitional care.
Conclusion / Contribution: Occupational therapists play a crucial role in facilitating NICU discharge and early childhood development. The Baby Bridge Program demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based intervention, and caregiver empowerment. This presentation will provide actionable insights for implementing similar programs to optimize outcomes for medically fragile infants.
Target Audience: Neonatologists, neonatal therapists, pediatricians, hospital administrators, case managers, and early intervention specialists.
Presentation Format: Oral Presentation with Case Studies, Outcome Data, and Interactive Discussion