Discharge planning and home care for low-birth-weight infants

This article presents a review of discharge planning and home follow-up for low-birth-weight infants. The scope of the problem of low birth weight and postdischarge health status of low-birth-weight infants are presented in overview. Discharge planning and home care are detailed for healthy low-birth-weight infants and for low-birth-weight infants requiring various levels of technologic support in the home. Emphasis is on comprehensive discharge planning and home follow-up to facilitate continuity and quality of postdischarge care. Nursing's role is critical to the discharge planning and the postdischarge care process.