Provide an efficient and effective service to parents caring at home for a child at risk of sudden death, or perceived risk of sudden death. Undertake research of significance into home monitoring. The Home Monitoring Program operates as a clinical specialty providing a service to parents or primary care givers of neonates and infants under the care of their doctor. The Program also provides a resource for hospital and community based health workers including paediatricians, general practitioners, maternal and child health nurses, midwives, clinical engineers and social workers.
Many parents are highly distressed at the time of referral and often require immediate attention.
Paediatricians frequently request a monitor immediately prior to an infants' discharge from hospital and discharge is contingent on the provision of a monitor. Counselling and information on all aspects of monitoring are provided to parents or health professionals. Parents are given verbal and written instructions on the function, use and maintenance of the monitor. Appropriate response to an alarm and infant resuscitation are also demonstrated. A telephone support service for parents during working hours, and a twenty-four hour contact point is available for both service and psychological support.