Understanding the effects of neonatal early discharge on parents: a literature review

Abstract

Problem: A Neonatal Early Discharge (NED) program is a supported process where preterm infants leave hospital before they have established full sucking feeds, and are gavage fed by their parents while they transition to breast and/or bottle feeds. While there is some evidence in the literature describing the outcomes of this process for preterm infants, there is even more limited evidence of the effects and outcomes of these NED programs on parents. Objective: To summarize and critically appraise the literature regarding the effects of neonatal early discharge on parents. Method: A literature search was conducted for English language publications since 2007 using Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO and Google Scholar. A total of 20 primary articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. Conclusion: An integrative thematic synthesis identified four themes: establishing parenting skills/confidence, bonding with the newborn, psychological distress, and the need for support and resources. Findings suggests that parents have various concerns regarding discharge from the neonatal unit, and therefore support from health professionals and family play a crucial role during the experience. There were also various external factors such as socioeconomic status and cultural differences which impact on parents differently, and it is therefore challenging to draw definite conclusions. This warrants further research in the area.