Home phototherapy for neonatal jaundice--technology and teamwork meeting consumer and service need.

32 babies with uncomplicated physiological jaundice received home phototherapy from a hospital/community team in southern Brisbane. All babies showed acceptable reductions in their serum bilirubin on home therapy, and none required hospital re-admission for phototherapy. Their families were highly satisfied with the home program, and recorded high levels of confidence in their therapeutic responsibilities. Community providers were able to deliver a high quality 24-hour service, integrated with appropriate neonatology support. The cost of delivering the home program was significantly less than a comparable hospital stay.