Effect of COVID-19 on High-risk Neonate Home Care Program: An Audit Study

Abstract

One of the most important goals of the health system in this pandemic was to provide a home care for the high-risk neonates. The aim of this study was to audit a high-risk neonate home care program during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted with the participation of 158 high-risk neonates discharged from neonatal intensive care units of hospitals. Data collection was performed through questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist. The researcher observed and evaluated 7 areas of healthcare. The study was first performed in person, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher evaluated these cares in absentia. The results of the study showed that the mean score of in-person "conduction" was 56.7 and in-absentia conduction was 52.5 and the mean score of in-person "education" was 63.6 and in-absentia conduction was 65.6. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the in-person and in-absentia methods. Moreover, while 53.2 of caregivers performed well, 33.5 of them performed poorly. According to the results, the implementation of home care program for high-risk neonates is relatively desirable. However, some regular evaluation and review need to be conducted on instructions and implementations. Regular education of caregivers and, finally, regular in-person and in-absentia monitoring is essential. In-absentia home care during the COVID-19 pandemic was not an obstacle to the implementation of the program and it was implemented through telephone and follow-up.