Spanish survey on follow‐up programmes for children born very preterm

AIM: To describe variations in practice between follow‐up programmes for very preterm children born at less than 32 weeks' gestation or with very low birth weight of less than 1,500 g. METHODS: A survey on follow‐up practices was electronically distributed to level II and III units among hospitals of the Spanish National Health Service in 2016. The survey included 70 questions covering issues such as follow‐up organisation and resources, routine assessments, relationships with other services and families, information management and training. RESULTS: The response rate was 91.5% (141/154). Among respondents, 70.9% (100/141) reported that they do provide follow‐up and 42% do so up to six years of age. Routine neurological and ophthalmological follow‐up is not performed in 60% and 37% of hospitals, respectively, and a second hearing assessment is not given in 62%. Just 38% of units have psychologist. In 41% of hospitals, training in follow‐up skills is not included in Paediatric Residency training programme. CONCLUSION: Although Spain has a nationwide health system that provides universal health coverage, we found that follow‐up care for children born very preterm/very low birth weight is not equitable. Nearly half of paediatric residents receive no training in follow‐up for this high‐risk population.