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The goal of this project was to reduce breastfeeding interruption time by improving and optimizing the newborn screening process performed at LewisGale Montgomery Hospital.
The goal of this project was to reduce breastfeeding interruption time by improving and optimizing the newborn screening process performed at LewisGale Montgomery Hospital.
Nearly every newborn in the United States of America is screened for 31 different metabolic disorders immediately after birth. One of these metabolic disorders, galactosemia, is the inability to digest galactose which is a primary sugar in breast milk. Galactosemia can rapidly result in jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged liver, and even sepsis unless the newborn is fed galactose-free formula.
Nearly every newborn in the United States of America is screened for 31 different metabolic disorders immediately after birth. One of these metabolic disorders, galactosemia, is the inability to digest galactose which is a primary sugar in breast milk. Galactosemia can rapidly result in jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged liver, and even sepsis unless the newborn is fed galactose-free formula.
Highly sensitive newborn screening has nearly completely prevented these negative outcomes for newborns with galactosemia. However, 1 false positive per 200 tests still occur. False positive tests result in a two-to three-week interruption of breastfeeding and could potentially disrupt future breastfeeding. In addition, there are healthcare costs associated with follow-up testing, representing substantial human and financial burdens.
Highly sensitive newborn screening has nearly completely prevented these negative outcomes for newborns with galactosemia. However, 1 false positive per 200 tests still occur. False positive tests result in a two-to three-week interruption of breastfeeding and could potentially disrupt future breastfeeding. In addition, there are healthcare costs associated with follow-up testing, representing substantial human and financial burdens.
The goal of this project was to reduce the burdensome breastfeeding interruption time by improving and optimizing the newborn screening process done at LewisGale Montgomery Hospital. We generated a quality assurance document to outline our new design for the procedures carried out by the hospital and state lab. Our quality assurance document also includes product recommendations, quality verification checks, and helpful figures for reference. This document is accessible and applicable to other hospitals across the country for implementation. Not only will this document reduce interruption in breastfeeding time for the infants, but it will reduce costs for stakeholders as well. An economic analysis outlines the cost savings for each stakeholder: the family/infant, the hospital of birth, and the state of VA.
The goal of this project was to reduce the burdensome breastfeeding interruption time by improving and optimizing the newborn screening process done at LewisGale Montgomery Hospital. We generated a quality assurance document to outline our new design for the procedures carried out by the hospital and state lab. Our quality assurance document also includes product recommendations, quality verification checks, and helpful figures for reference. This document is accessible and applicable to other hospitals across the country for implementation. Not only will this document reduce interruption in breastfeeding time for the infants, but it will reduce costs for stakeholders as well. An economic analysis outlines the cost savings for each stakeholder: the family/infant, the hospital of birth, and the state of VA.
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