Nordic survey showed wide variation in discharge practices for very preterm infants
Aim: We aimed to describe clinical practices and criteria for discharge of very preterm infants in Nordic neonatal units. Methods: Medical directors of all 89 level-2 and level-3 units in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden were invited by e-mail to complete a web-based multiple-choice surv...
| Published in: | Acta Paediatrica |
|---|---|
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley-Blackwell
2024
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/17029e45-64b8-495d-93e3-a78d50cb9852 https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16934 |
| Summary: | Aim: We aimed to describe clinical practices and criteria for discharge of very preterm infants in Nordic neonatal units. Methods: Medical directors of all 89 level-2 and level-3 units in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden were invited by e-mail to complete a web-based multiple-choice survey with the option to make additional free-text comments. Results: We received responses from 83/89 units (93%). In all responding units, discharge readiness was based mainly on clinical assessment with varying criteria. In addition, 36% used formal tests of cardiorespiratory stability and 59% used criteria related to infant weight or growth. For discharge with feeding tube, parental ability to speak the national language or English was mandatory in 45% of units, with large variation among countries. Post-discharge home visits and video-consultations were provided by 59% and 51%, respectively. In 54% of units, parental preparation for discharge were not initiated until the last two weeks of hospital stay. Conclusion: Discharge readiness was based mainly on clinical assessment, with criteria varying among units despite similar population characteristics and care structures. This variation indicates a lack of evidence base and may unnecessarily delay discharge; further studies of this matter are needed. Earlier parental preparation and use of interpreters might facilitate earlier discharge. |
|---|