Risk Assessment for Cognitive Disabilities in Low Birth Weight Infants: Use of Decline in Head Circumference Growth as a Key Indicator for Intervention and Referral

low birth rate;cognitive disability;assessment;nurse practitioner;School of Health Professions and Studies: Nursing

Miller, Sandra G.Flint ;

University of Michigan

关键词: low birth rate;    cognitive disability;    assessment;    nurse practitioner;    School of Health Professions and Studies: Nursing;   

Others  :  https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/117859/Miller.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

瑞士|英语

来源: The Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship

【 摘 要 】

One of the earliest predictive measurements of cognitive disability risk in low birth weight (LBW) infants is the decline in head growth velocity during the first 8 months of life (Stathis, O;;Callahan, Harvey and Rodgers, 1999). The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand Michigan nurse practitioner (NP) strategies for assessment of cognitive disability risk in LBW infants, specifically declines in head circumference growth as the key indicator for intervention and referral. Original research was conducted from a 22-item researcher designed survey mailed to Michigan NP;;s with an overall response rate of 41%. Of these, 26 NP;;s met screening criteria and three NP specialties were represented. Over 85% of respondents recognized birth rate less than 2500 grams as most predictive of long term disability. Ninety-six percent agreed that growth and development should be monitored at each visit. However, over one-third (36%) felt head growth measurement was unimportant in the clinical setting and only 54% recognized delays in head circumference growth as the key indicator for referral and intervention. Cognitive disability, a sequelae to LBW, can be minimized by early utilization of support services. Results of this survey suggest that Michigan;;s NP;;s providing care to this unique population of infants could improve cognitive outcomes by recognizing and responding to the earliest indication of cognitive risk, decline in head circumference growth. Further research is needed to build the knowledge base.