Open AccessParents experiences of discharge readiness from a Swedish neonatal intensive care unit
Author(s) -
Larsson Christina,
Wågström Ulrika,
Normann Erik,
Thernström Blomqvist Ylva
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
nursing open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.55
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2054-1058
DOI - 10.1002/nop2.71
Subject(s) - neonatal intensive care unit , breastfeeding , qualitative research , medicine , hospital discharge , nursing , psychology , developmental psychology , pediatrics , family medicine , intensive care medicine , social science , sociology
Aim 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. Design A qualitative design with quantitative elements was applied. Methods A questionnaire study. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with quantitative elements. Results 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.