Implementation of a remote monitoring program for neonates requiring continued nasogastric tube feeding: patient characteristics and early outcomes

Abstract Objective Our neonatal intensive care unit utilizes remote patient monitoring to facilitate hospital discharge with nasogastric tube (NGT) feeds. Program implementation, patient characteristics, and initial outcomes are described. Study Design Data collection for this descriptive study includes daily weights, oral and NGT feeding volumes, days of NGT feeds, and hospital readmissions. Descriptive statistics define number of NGT feed days, number of hospital days saved, number of days on monitoring, and weight gain. Results One-hundred and four of the 109 babies discharged on the program provided consent for and completed data collection. Mean gestational age at birth was 32w5d (range 24w0d to 40w4d). Eighty-nine babies (85.6%) achieved full oral feeds while on the program, with a median of 7 hospital days saved for this subset (IQR 4.0-14.3 days). Six babies (5.8%) had unscheduled readmissions while on the program. Conclusion Remote monitoring programs can facilitate discharge for babies with continued NGT needs.