Nurs Econ
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Comparative Study
Comparing nursing costs for preterm infants receiving conventional vs. developmental care.
The incremental costs incurred by VLBW (less than 1,500 grams) infants during the first year of life accounted for one-third of the $11.4 billion spent in the U. S. on health care. ⋯ When compared to 60 VLBW infants receiving conventional NICU care, improved physiologic stability measures and fewer days in the NICU were recorded for the 60 VLBW infants cared for by nurses and trained developmental care specialists. Because the move from the NICU to the transitional unit occurred earlier for the developmental group of VLBW infants, and their nursing intensity needs were lower, the average cost savings achieved for this group was $4,340 per infant during the first 35 days of life or less if discharged.