Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2009) 29, 623–629; doi:10.1038/jp.2009.58; published online 21 May 2009

Are families prepared for discharge from the NICU?

V C Smith1, S Young1, D M Pursley1, M C McCormick1,2 and J A F Zupancic1

  1. 1Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
  2. 2Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

Correspondence: Dr VC Smith, Department of Neonatology, 330 Brookline Avenue, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Rose 318, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. E-mail: vsmith1@bidmc.harvard.edu

Received 21 November 2008; Revised 30 March 2009; Accepted 31 March 2009; Published online 21 May 2009.

Top

Abstract

Objective:

 

(1) Quantify and compare the family's and the nurse's perception regarding the family's discharge preparedness. (2) Determine which elements contribute to a family's discharge preparedness.

Study Design:

 

We studied the families of all the infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit after a minimum of a 2-week admission. The families rated their overall discharge preparedness with a 9-point Likert scale on the day of discharge. Independently, the discharging nurse evaluated the family's discharge preparedness. Families were considered discharge 'prepared' if they rated themselves and the nurse rated their technical and emotional preparedness as greater than or equal to7 on the Likert scale.

Result:

 

We had 867 (58%) family–nurse pairs who completed the survey. Most families (87%) were prepared for discharge as assessed by the concordant questionnaire (Likert scores of greater than or equal to7 by the parent and the nurse). In multivariate analysis, confidence in their child's health and maturity (odds ratios, OR=2.5 95% confidence interval, CI (1.2, 5.3)), their readiness for their infants to come home (OR=2.9 95% CI (1.0, 8.3)), and selecting a pediatrician (OR=4.2 95% CI (1.6, 11.0)) were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

 

Assistance with pediatrician selection and home preparation may improve the percentage of families prepared for discharge.

Keywords:

neonatal intensive care units, neonatal intensive care, patient discharge, infant, premature, education

Extra navigation

.

naturejobs

More science jobs
Post a job for free
ADVERTISEMENT