A Pilot Study Comparing Telehealth and In-Person Therapy Service Delivery Following NICU Discharge

The Baby Bridge program is an evidence-based implementation strategy aimed at enhancing early and continuous therapy services following NICU discharge for infants with alterations in neurodevelopment. The Baby Bridge program utilizes an occupational or physical therapist to see the infant and family in the NICU prior to discharge, complete a comprehensive neurodevelopmental and feeding assessment to inform targeted interventions, and provide early therapy services in the home environment within one week of discharge and weekly thereafter, until other community-based services commence. While most of the program occurs after NICU discharge, a hallmark of the Baby Bridge program is that families establish rapport with the therapist while the infant is still in the NICU. The therapist also educates the family on ways to support their infant's development between sessions and offers support and assistance during the transition from hospital to home.