Abstract

 

 

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the medical home model (MHM) on the developmental status of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at 12- 18 months corrected age in a tertiary health center in Turkey. 

Material- Method: A total of 199 infants who were born with birth weight ≤ 1500 grams and/or gestational week ≤ 32 weeks at Zekai Tahir Burak (ZTB) Maternity Teaching Hospital Ankara and received medical and developmental follow-up at ZTB hospital within the medical home model were enrolled. Their developmental status was evaluated at corrected 12- 18 months with Bayley II.

Results: Of the study group, 49% was female and 51% was male. Mean birth weight was 1238 ± 319 grams and 25,1% (n=50) was ≤ 1000 grams. Mean gestational age was 29, 2±2,2 weeks and 38,2% was ≤ 28 weeks. About 50% was multiplets. Bayley Mental Development Index scores (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index scores (PDI) were < 70 in 7% and 19,6% of the total group, respectively and 7% was diagnosed as cerebral palsy (CP). Bayley MDI and PDI scores were < 70 in 12% and 32% of the infants born ≤ 1000 grams and 12% had CP.

 

Conclusion: The low rate of babies with unfavorable developmental status in the study group suggests that MHM may help the early recognition and intervention of major developmental problems in high risk babies and decreases later problems. Long term studies are needed to determine the effect of MHM on minor developmental problems of the VLBW infants.

Key Words: Preterm; Health Care Delivery; Medical Home; Children.