Implementation of a pilot electronic parent support tool in and after neonatal intensive care unit discharge

OBJECTIVE: To describe an electronic parent support tool for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to assess whether support requests changed with staff availability. METHODS: We implemented secure text- or email-based parent support in the NICU and in the week after discharge. Questionnaires asked whether a parent would like psychology, social work, child life, chaplain, or post-discharge nurse support. Requested referrals were placed, and customized online resources and contacts were provided. We assessed whether requests changed based on in-person resource availability. RESULTS: Of 378 infants in our NICU from May to December, 202 parents agreed to participate. The proportion agreeing to participate increased over time (38–59%, p = 0.012). Post-discharge nurse requests decreased over time (90–45%, p = 0.033); other requests did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: An electronic tool increased parent support availability in the NICU and following discharge, even after staff were available at the bedside.