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Early discharge of low birthweight infants as a hospital policy
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH 45229.
Insights
Early discharge for eligible low birthweight infants (LBW) weighing around 1800g is safe and effective. This policy promotes family bonding and conserves critical care resources.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatrics
- Public health
Background:
- Infants with birthweights less than or equal to 2000 grams (g) often require extended hospitalization.
- Early discharge can benefit families and healthcare systems but requires careful patient selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an early discharge policy for selected low birthweight infants.
- To assess the impact of early discharge on infant health outcomes and family well-being.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 123 infants with birthweights ≤ 2000 g were assessed for early discharge eligibility.
- Criteria included weight (approx. 1800 g), medical stability, feeding, weight gain, thermostability, and home preparedness.
- Forty-one infants meeting criteria were discharged early (birthweight < 2100 g).
Main Results:
- 85.4% of eligible infants were discharged early.
- None of the 35 infants with follow-up data were rehospitalized, experienced serious illness, or died due to the policy.
- The policy was well-accepted by healthcare staff.
Conclusions:
- An early discharge policy for selected low birthweight infants is safe and effective.
- This approach can facilitate earlier family-infant bonding and improve family mental health.
- Implementing such policies can optimize the use of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) resources for critically ill infants.
Abstract:
All 123 infants with birthweights less than or equal to 2000 g born at a private institution between February 1, 1987, and January 31, 1988, were eligible for early discharge if they met the following criteria: weight about 1800 g, medically stable, feeding well by nipple, satisfactory weight gain, thermostability, and parents and home prepared. Forty-one of 48 (85.4%) infants who satisfied these criteria were discharged at birthweights less than 2100 g. None of the 35 infants for whom follow-up was possible were rehospitalized, had a serious illness, or died as a result of the policy. The policy was universally accepted by the staff. Such a policy has the potential to unite babies and families sooner, promote the mental health of the families, save medical dollars, and make the medical resources of newborn intensive care units available for critically ill infants.
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