What key services and supports should be included in discharge planning for NICU graduates to ensure continuity of care at home?
Answer
Effective discharge planning must include clear recommendations for home care and direct referrals to community and outpatient services. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coordination may be necessary, especially when infants require medical-grade thickeners like GelMix, which can often be covered by insurance with proper documentation such as a letter of medical necessity tied to swallow study results. Early intervention referrals are also crucial; in states like Illinois, services through Child and Family Connections (CFC) support developmental needs from birth to age three. Additionally, infants discharged on enteral nutrition (e.g., NG or G-tube feeds) or thickened liquids due to aspiration typically qualify for outpatient therapy follow-up. NICU follow-up clinics offer long-term developmental monitoring and guidance, and ensuring a smooth transition to these services is essential in supporting both the child’s health outcomes and the family’s ongoing confidence in caregiving.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course,SLP in the NICU: An Overview, presented by Anna Manilla, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC.
Anna Manilla, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Anna is a Senior Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Consultant with specialized experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She plays a key role in mentoring graduate students, training new clinicians, and leading initiatives that expand SLP services to better support infants and their families. Anna is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care and advocating for the unique needs of medically fragile infants.
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/slp-in-nicu-overview-11267SLP in the NICU: An OverviewThis course provides an introductory overview of Speech-Language Pathology services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), including the unique environment, the SLP’s role, and key components of neonatal care. Topics include cue-based and supportive feeding strategies, instrumental assessments, and approaches for empowering and supporting parents and caregivers.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comSLP in the NICU: An OverviewThis course provides an introductory overview of Speech-Language Pathology services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), including the unique environment, the SLP’s role, and key components of neonatal care. Topics include cue-based and supportive feeding strategies, instrumental assessments, and approaches for empowering and supporting parents and caregivers.11267OnlinePT60M
This course provides an introductory overview of Speech-Language Pathology services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), including the unique environment, the SLP’s role, and key components of neonatal care. Topics include cue-based and supportive feeding strategies, instrumental assessments, and approaches for empowering and supporting parents and caregivers.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-in-thick-it-international-1075620Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.com20Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.10756OnlinePT60M
The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/building-feeding-program-in-nicu-11279Developing Feeding Programs: How to Positively Impact the SLP WorldSpeech-language pathologists wear many hats, and preparation for entering specialized areas can be challenging. During clinical practicums and graduate coursework, SLPs search for areas of interest. The area of infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing presents unique navigation challenges. This course discusses aspects and challenges of becoming a feeding therapist and reviews the details of building successful infant and pediatric feeding programs in different settings.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comDeveloping Feeding Programs: How to Positively Impact the SLP WorldSpeech-language pathologists wear many hats, and preparation for entering specialized areas can be challenging. During clinical practicums and graduate coursework, SLPs search for areas of interest. The area of infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing presents unique navigation challenges. This course discusses aspects and challenges of becoming a feeding therapist and reviews the details of building successful infant and pediatric feeding programs in different settings.11279OnlinePT60M
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4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/feeding-development-what-is-typical-10520Feeding Development: What is Typical?An introduction to multiple factors - including relationships - associated with feeding development, as well as a review of typical milestones, are provided in this course. An overview of conditions that can disrupt the normal developmental process is also presented.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comFeeding Development: What is Typical?An introduction to multiple factors - including relationships - associated with feeding development, as well as a review of typical milestones, are provided in this course. An overview of conditions that can disrupt the normal developmental process is also presented.10520OnlinePT60M
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5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/iddsi-framework-part-1-11290IDDSI Framework: Part 1This course reviews the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework for liquids and solids, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and inappropriate foods for each level. Testing methods for each level, including the application of the IDDSI funnel, will also be explained.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comIDDSI Framework: Part 1This course reviews the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework for liquids and solids, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and inappropriate foods for each level. Testing methods for each level, including the application of the IDDSI funnel, will also be explained.11290OnlinePT60M
This course reviews the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework for liquids and solids, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and inappropriate foods for each level. Testing methods for each level, including the application of the IDDSI funnel, will also be explained.
