Implementation of the AAP discharge guidelines reduces unplanned readmissions of newborn infants: a single-center...

To evaluate the effectiveness of implementing American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discharge guidelines in reducing unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days post-discharge among term ansd late preterm newborns.

Retrospective observational study analyzing unplanned readmissions at a single-center neonatal unit from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2024. Data were compared before (January 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) and after (July 1, 2022-December 31, 2024) guideline implementation, with subgroup analysis for the period after addition of structured support (July 1, 2023-December 31, 2024).

AAP guideline implementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in unplanned readmission rates among term infants (0.66% vs. 0.33%; P = 0.008). No reduction was evident among late preterm infants. Subgroup analysis showed further reductions post-structured support addition, though confounding by provider changes limits attribution.

The adoption of the AAP discharge guidelines, along with a structured process of mother and infant readiness, significantly decreassed unplanned readmission rates among term newborns.