Parents experiences of discharge readiness from a Swedish neonatal intensive care unit

The aim of this study was to describe how parents experienced the support at, and preparation for discharge from, the NICU and how they experienced the first time at home.

A qualitative design with quantitative elements was applied.

A questionnaire study. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with quantitative elements.

The majority of included parents felt adequately prepared for going home and sufficiently supported during the first period home. Negative experiences were related to lack of time for preparation, lack of support and information, especially about the infant's food intake, breastfeeding, and tube feeding, and lack of follow-up counselling post discharge. This study supports that parents who are closely involved in their infant's care at the NICU, and who stay with the infant at the NICU around the clock, are well prepared for the transition to home.