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Nordic survey showed wide variation in discharge practices for very preterm infants.
- Source :
- Acta Paediatrica; Jan2024, Vol. 113 Issue 1, p48-55, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PREMATURE infants
WEIGHT in infancy
INFANT growth
FEEDING tubes
LANGUAGE policy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 08035253
- Volume :
- 113
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Acta Paediatrica
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 174107060
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16934