High-Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic

Overview

The High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides comprehensive ongoing services to high risk infants through an interdisciplinary team.

The High-Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic staff evaluates and manages high-risk infants for developmental concerns, supplemental oxygen therapy and complex management problems following discharge from intensive care nurseries. Staff includes:

Nurses and physicians specializing in follow-up and development
Nutritionists
Occupational, speech, respiratory and physical therapists
Social workers

Evaluation and treatment is carried out by the team, with referral for specific medical services and ongoing treatment met through collaboration with the Cerebral Palsy Program and the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The clinic staff also works hand-in-hand with primary care physicians to coordinate access to services for families and optimal outpatient care for children with complex medical needs. By evaluating and caring for high risk infants over several years, the clinic ensures that children with special needs receive the long-term coordinated care needed to reach their full potential.

The High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic also works closely with the Regional Center for Newborn Intensive Care (RCNIC) at Cincinnati Children's. Neonatal fellows participate in the high risk clinic, and have the opportunity to follow their patients longitudinally from the NICU to the outpatient setting, enhancing their appreciation of long-term outcomes for NICU graduates. Fellows also learn the outpatient care of children with complex medical needs, the assessment of long-term neurodevelopment in high risk infants, and learn to help families maximize access to services and care.