This article has been Objective
To describe parental use of an Internet-based educational and emotional
support system, in a regional NICU program.
Methods
Baby CareLink was installed in NICUs in 4 Denver area hospitals in 2003. Parents
were offered access from hospital terminals and from any other
Internet access point. Data on use of the program was collected by
the computer system. Discharge status was verified by Colorado’s
Department of Public Assistance.
Results
Of the 388 families admitted to Denver area NICUs with Baby CareLink during
the study period, 135 (34.8%) were identified as Medicaid
families (needing public assistance). After exclusions, data for 81 Medicaid
and 154 non-Medicaid families were available for analysis. Medicaid
families who accessed 3 or more Baby CareLink web pages per day
took their infants home 17.5 days sooner than families who used Baby CareLink
less often (p=0.03). Among the non-Medicaid families, more
frequent users of Baby CareLink took their infants home 14.3 days
sooner (p=0.04).
Conclusions
Internet portals will be used by both Medicaid and non-Medicaid parents
with children in NICUs to meet educational needs. More frequent use of
Baby CareLink was associated with significantly shorter length of stay. Self-help
tools for parents may free nursing resource for families
with greater needs.