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IHDD Researcher Spotlight
Dr. Kendell German: Enhancing Early Neurodevelopmental Care for Preterm Infants
July 10, 2023 – In the field of neonatal medicine, preterm birth and its associated complications continue to pose significant challenges. However, a recent clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has shed light on the importance of early identification and care for neurodevelopmental conditions among preterm infants. Dr. Kendell German, a researcher at the University of Washington’s Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), played a pivotal role as a co-author of this influential report. Let’s take a closer look at Dr. German’s background and the key findings of this important study.
Dr. Kendell German, is a medical professional and researcher specializing in neonatology and child development. With a passion for improving the long-term outcomes of high-risk infants, Dr. German has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions in preterm infants. Her expertise and contributions have earned her a prominent role in the IHDD community and a co-authorship in the recent AAP clinical report.
The clinical report, titled “Primary Care Framework to Monitor Preterm Infants for Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Early Childhood,” emphasizes the critical role of primary care pediatricians in the care of high-risk infants during their early childhood years. Published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the AAP, this report stresses the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and coordinated care for preterm infants who have graduated from the neonatal intensive care unit.
According to the report, primary care pediatricians should play an active role in assessing growth, development, feeding, and behavior of high-risk infants. By integrating ongoing developmental surveillance, coordinated care, shared decision making, and advocacy for appropriate services, pediatricians can optimize early identification and referral of at-risk children displaying signs or symptoms of developmental differences.
The report also highlights the significance of family-centered care and the medical home concept, which places families at the center of decision-making and treatment planning. By involving families and leveraging their strengths, pediatricians can provide tailored guidance and support that addresses the unique needs of each child.
Furthermore, the authors emphasize the benefits of increased risk awareness based on the infant’s history of perinatal conditions. By linking this awareness to neurodevelopmental outcomes, clinicians are encouraged to seek additional information when developmental delays exceed anticipated risks. This proactive approach enables pediatricians to prioritize healthy development and ensure appropriate medical subspecialty and community-level supports are provided.
Dr. Kendell German’s collaboration in the AAP clinical report highlights her dedication to enhancing the care and well-being of preterm infants. By emphasizing the importance of early identification and coordinated care, the report provides a valuable framework for primary care pediatricians to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes. As the IHDD community continues to champion advancements in neonatal medicine, the contributions of researchers like Dr. Kendell German play an instrumental role in shaping the future of care for high-risk infants.
