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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Evolution of care indicators after an early discharge intervention in preterm infants
Isabel Toral-López1, María Pilar González-Carrión1, Antonio Rivas-Campos1
1Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Granada, España.
Insights
Early discharge for preterm infants with home nursing support improved parental preparedness and infant care. This safe intervention benefits both families and children, enhancing adaptation to new life and breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric nursing
- Public health initiatives
Background:
- Preterm infants require specialized care post-discharge.
- Early discharge programs aim to reduce hospital stays while ensuring infant well-being.
- Parental adaptation and education are crucial for successful home care of preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health outcome evolution in preterm infants participating in an early discharge program.
- To compare outcomes between infants receiving early discharge with home monitoring and those receiving standard care.
Main Methods:
- A controlled, non-randomized trial was conducted.
- The intervention group included stable preterm infants discharged two weeks early with home nursing care.
- The control group received standard care, with exclusion based on distance or consent.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in Nursing Outcomes Classification scores between the intervention and control groups.
- The intervention group demonstrated positive outcomes in parental preparedness and infant care.
Conclusions:
- Early discharge with expert home nursing care is a safe and effective intervention for preterm infants.
- This program enhances parental confidence, knowledge of health services, and adaptation to infant care.
- The intervention supports successful breastfeeding establishment and overall family well-being.
Objective:
To evaluate the evolution of health outcomes in preterm infants included in an early discharge programme.
Method:
Controlled, non-randomised trial with an intervention group and a control group children admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves of Granada were included in the study. The intervention group comprised preterm infants admitted to the neonatal unit clinically stable, whose family home was located within 20km. from the hospital. They were discharged two weeks before the established time and a skilled nurse in neonatal care monitored them at home. The control group comprised infants who could not be included in home monitoring due to the distance to the hospital criterion or because their families did not give their consent and who received the usual care until their discharge. The study variables were the outcome indicators of the Nursing Outcomes Classification.
Results:
Differences were found in the Nursing Outcomes Classification scores in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
The early discharge of preterm infants followed up at home by an expert nurse in neonatal care is a health service that achieves results in preparating parents for the care of their child, enabling them to learn about the health services, adapt to their new life, and establishbreastfeeding times. It constitutes safe intervention for children and is beneficial to parents.
Related Concept Videos
Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Planning Nursing Care I
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
Standards of Care II
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.

