Assessing the Eat, Sleep, Console model for neonatal abstinence syndrome management at a regional referral center

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the efficacy of the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) model for neonatal abstinence syndrome at a regional referral center by examining non-pharmacological treatments, parental presence, length of stay (LOS), and pharmacological therapy. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed medical records from 2018 to 2020 to compare neonatal outcomes between the 12 months prior to 12 months post ESC implementation. RESULT: A total of 71 neonates pre-ESC and 64 neonates post-ESC implementation were included. There were no statistical differences between pre-ESC vs. ESC periods for pharmacological therapy (34% vs. 27%, p = 0.36) or LOS (median: 5.0 vs. 5.5 days, p = 0.54). During the ESC period, 41% of examined 4-h periods had no parent/caregiver presence. Decreased parental presence associated with pharmacological treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: At our hospital which serves a geographically dispersed patient population, ESC model implementation did not decrease pharmacological therapy rates or LOS. Parental/caregiver presence may be a factor in the ESC model producing maximal benefits.