Postpartum Hospital Discharge: Birthing Parent Perspectives on Supportive Practices and Areas for Improvement
Jihye Kim Scroggins1, Amelia N Gibson, Alison M Stuebe
1Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Scroggins); College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, College Park (Dr Gibson); and Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health (Dr Stuebe), Gillings School of Global Public Health (Dr Stuebe), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine (Drs Stuebe and Tully), and School of Nursing (Dr Sheffield-Abdullah), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Background:
Postpartum hospital care and individualized discharge preparedness should be part of person-focused health services. Yet, there are limited descriptions of birthing parents' experiences to identify clinical practice strengths and opportunities to improve systems of care.
Objective:
To explore birthing parents' perspectives on supportive healthcare practices and areas for improvement around postpartum hospital discharge.
Methods:
In this mixed-methods study, participants completed an online questionnaire and a semistructured, telephone interview at 2 to 3 weeks postpartum. Researchers summarized responses to 2 quantitative questions and conducted a thematic content analysis of interview data.
Results:
Forty birthing parents participated (90% non-White). According to quantitative responses, most birthing parents were prepared to be discharged (82.5%). Responses to the interview generated 6 broad factors related to postpartum hospital discharge preparedness: inpatient postpartum support, physical and emotional health, patient priorities and agency, clear and relevant information, holistic care, and scheduling and continuity of care. Researchers further identified themes around specific healthcare practices participants described to be supportive and opportunities for improvement.
Conclusion:
Birthing parents articulated multiple contributors to their preparation for postpartum hospital discharge. These perspectives offer insights for strengthening systems of perinatal care and inform measures of quality postpartum care.
More Related Videos
14:43A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
11:50Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Published on: January 7, 2020
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
Patient-centered Care
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Restorative Care
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
