Parents experiences of discharge readiness from a Swedish neonatal intensive care unit.

Christina Larsson,Ylva Thernström Blomqvist,Ulrika Wågström,Erik Normann

doi:10.1002/nop2.71

Christina Larsson, Ylva Thernström Blomqvist + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.71

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Journal: Nursing Open	Publication Date: Nov 9, 2016
Citations: 26	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University

Abstract

AimThe aim of this study was to describe how parents experienced the support at, and preparation for discharge from, the NICU and how they experienced the first time at home.DesignA qualitative design with quantitative elements was applied.MethodsA questionnaire study. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with quantitative elements.ResultsThe majority of included parents felt adequately prepared for going home and sufficiently supported during the first period home. Negative experiences were related to lack of time for preparation, lack of support and information, especially about the infant's food intake, breastfeeding, and tube feeding, and lack of follow‐up counselling post discharge. This study supports that parents who are closely involved in their infant's care at the NICU, and who stay with the infant at the NICU around the clock, are well prepared for the transition to home.

Highlights

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe how parents experienced the support at, and preparation for discharge from, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and how they experienced the first time at home
Inclusion criteria were that the infant should have been cared for at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for at least 1 week during 2012, was a singleton, and was discharged directly home from the NICU
Most NICU families consider themselves prepared for discharge, especially when they feel confident about the neonatologist’s decision, their infant’s health, and their home environment (Smith, Young, Pursley, McCormick, & Zupancic, 2009)

Summary

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe how parents experienced the support at, and preparation for discharge from, the NICU and how they experienced the first time at home. The aim of this study was to describe how parents of infants receiving care at an NICU experienced the preparation and support at the NICU before their infant’s discharge, and their first few days at home

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion