From NICU to home: meeting the mental health needs of families after discharge

Abstract

Families of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms that often persist well beyond transition from the NICU. While NICU professionals provide vital medical care for high-risk infants, they also offer interdisciplinary support for families, including collaboration with psychosocial and psychiatric services in select settings. Despite psychosocial support systems often being present during NICU hospitalization, significant gaps remain in post-NICU mental health support for parents. Comprehensive discharge preparation and outpatient follow-up planning for infants, as well as their families, are essential to optimize both long-term outcomes and the well-being of the entire family unit. In this paper, we review current evidence regarding mental health risks for families during transitions of care and highlight practice recommendations and advocacy opportunities for enhanced family-centered, interdisciplinary follow-up care after transition from the NICU.