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Published on: January 7, 2020

Development and Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Management Indicator System for Transitional Care in Preterm Infants

Qing Meng1,2,3, Fei Wang4, Kefan Chen3

  • 1Department of Neonatology Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China, scu.edu.cn.

Journal of Nursing Management
|May 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A new management indicator system was developed to improve transitional care for preterm infants, focusing on readiness and emergency preparedness. This system provides a standardized framework for better discharge planning and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Care
  • Healthcare Management
  • Quality Improvement

Background:

  • The transition from hospital to home is a critical period for preterm infants, with inadequate preparation leading to adverse outcomes.
  • Preventable readmissions are a concern due to insufficient discharge planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a management indicator system for transitional care in preterm infants.
  • To standardize and enhance the quality of care during the hospital-to-home transition.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature review identified preliminary indicators.
  • A two-round Delphi survey with 21 neonatal experts refined indicators and achieved consensus.
  • The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) determined indicator weights.

Main Results:

  • High expert consensus was achieved (Cr=0.967, Cs=0.971) with 100% response rates.
  • The system includes 3 primary, 17 secondary, and 42 tertiary indicators.
  • "Transitional care readiness" (0.234) and "Emergency preparedness skills" (0.162) received the highest weights.

Conclusions:

  • The developed system offers a rigorous, consensus-based framework for assessing and guiding transitional care for preterm infants.
  • The findings highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and family capability in discharge planning.
  • This system supports evidence-based management practices, pending further validation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Delphi techniquepatient dischargepreterm infantquality indicatorstransitional care

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