The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their policy about SIDS and other sleep related deaths in infants. Most of the recommendations are familiar but I thought I would discuss some of the newer updates.
First, a review of the familiar. It is well known that infants should sleep on their back (not side or stomach) on a firm surface without fluffy blankets, pillows, or bedding around them. This includes nap time as well as at night. Also breastfeeding, avoidance of tobacco smoke, and avoidance of overheating the baby decrease the risk as well.
The new policy addresses co-sleeping. It recommends that your baby sleep in your room with you but not in bed with you. Sharing a bed with your infant does not decrease the risk of SIDS and many co-sleeping arrangements increase the risk of death from suffocation or strangulation. Also sleeping with your child in an armchair or couch is not recommended either.
The AAP reiterated that sleep positioners are not recommended. There is no evidence that any device or positioner decreases the risk of SIDS. Also monitors or apnea alarms do not decrease the risk of SIDS either.
Something new I learned is that it is not recommended for an infant to regularly sleep in a swing, sling, car seat, or carrier. They are at risk for airway obstruction.
If you have questions about these recommendations please feel free to give me a call.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Electronic Medical Records
It has been almost a year since our office transitioned to electronic medical records (EMR) and I thought I would take a minute to reflect on the good versus the bad.
So, let's start with the good.
1. The best part is by far and away the electronic prescribing of medications. Fast, paperless, and no need for the pharmacy to have to try and read my handwriting any more! Best of all your prescription is ready and waiting by the time you get to the pharmacy!
2. Visit summaries are now available online. When you want to review the visit or can't remember what shot was given you can view it online any time of day. What's not to like about that?
3. We have access to your child's chart at home. So we are able to check incoming labs and if a question comes up at night we can check your child's chart.
Now the bad.
1. It is time consuming. I now spend an extra 1-2 hours a day working. Even though I am now more efficient I still will never be as fast as I was with paper.
2. It slows us down in the office. Once your child is weighed and measured I still have to wait until the information is entered in the computer and then I review the chart before I go into see your child. All slower than paper.
3. It is harder to make eye contact. I try hard not to be glued to my computer screen but sometimes it happens as I am trying to be fast and efficient.
That sums it up for now. It will be fun to see what new things are coming up!
So, let's start with the good.
1. The best part is by far and away the electronic prescribing of medications. Fast, paperless, and no need for the pharmacy to have to try and read my handwriting any more! Best of all your prescription is ready and waiting by the time you get to the pharmacy!
2. Visit summaries are now available online. When you want to review the visit or can't remember what shot was given you can view it online any time of day. What's not to like about that?
3. We have access to your child's chart at home. So we are able to check incoming labs and if a question comes up at night we can check your child's chart.
Now the bad.
1. It is time consuming. I now spend an extra 1-2 hours a day working. Even though I am now more efficient I still will never be as fast as I was with paper.
2. It slows us down in the office. Once your child is weighed and measured I still have to wait until the information is entered in the computer and then I review the chart before I go into see your child. All slower than paper.
3. It is harder to make eye contact. I try hard not to be glued to my computer screen but sometimes it happens as I am trying to be fast and efficient.
That sums it up for now. It will be fun to see what new things are coming up!
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