A panel of experts was recruited to determine quality indicators for the care of opioid-exposed infants. The experts agreed that screening pregnant individuals for substance use disorder was crucial. Opioid-exposed infants have poorer outcomes compared to uncomplicated newborns, leading to longer hospital stays and higher rates of readmission. The panel reached a consensus on the first quality indicators for this population, focusing on aspects such as staff training, assessment for withdrawal syndrome, nonpharmacologic interventions, and transitions of care. More work is needed to validate these indicators using electronic medical records and claims data to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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Panel comes to consensus on hospital care for opioid-exposed infants
