Arnaldo Milián Castro University Clinical and Surgical Hospital Comprehensive Healthcare Model for Pediatric Patients Screened in the Retinopathy of Prematurity Program

Background: Prematurity is associated with a higher prevalence of visual and neurocognitive impairments not only during the neonatal period but also throughout childhood and adolescence.Objective: To design a comprehensive health care model for pediatric patients screened under the National Program for the Care of Retinopathy of Prematurity.Methodological Design: A multicenter, multistage, mixed-methods study was conducted.In the first stage, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children screened between 2002 and 2018 were described.In the second stage, a longitudinal study was carried out involving 60 premature children aged 7 to 18 years-30 diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity and 30 without the condition.Ophthalmological and neurocognitive sequelae were evaluated and treated.In the third stage, a comprehensive health care model was designed for pediatric patients screened in the program.Results: A high percentage of patients presented with ophthalmological, neurocognitive, and general disorders.The proposed model takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach and includes four interrelated components focused on the child/adolescent and their family.Each component generates specific interventions and tools for clinical follow-up, aimed at improving the quality of care. Conclusions:The health care model was considered highly appropriate by the experts consulted.