Correlation between discharge preparation and rehospitalization of premature newborns

Readmission is a potentially avoidable and costly outcome of hospital stay depends on several factors such as lack of patient and family''s discharge preparation. This study aims to determine the correlation between discharge preparations and readmission of preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive correlational study was conducted among premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units of three teaching hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences as the study population. Sample consisted of 245 premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit، selected using convenience method based on study entry criteria. At the time of discharge، demographic characteristics questionnaire، and «Discharge Preparation Checklist»، including 28 valid and reliable items، were completed. One month after discharge، hospital readmission of neonates were followed through contacting parents. Data were analyzed using SPSS/17. 97 infants (39. 6%) were re-admitted within one month after discharge. The discharge of preterm infants overall readiness scores were 21/56  3/69 averagely. There was a significant difference between neonate''s hospital readmission and discharge preparation score in Mann-Whitney test (P<0. 001). Discharge preparation has a strong relation with premature infant''s readmission. In addition، to the baby''s condition at discharge، knowledge، ability and parents readiness at the time of discharge، has an effective role in preventing readmissions and its emotional and financial consequences for the infant and family. Planning for discharge and monitoring its implementation، would be an important step towards preventing readmission.