The Effects of early hospital discharge on maternal and infant outcomes

The effects of early hospital discharge of maternal and infant outcomes were studies by interviewing 21 primiparas choosing early discharge and a comparison group of 21 primparas with hospital stays longer than 24 hours. At 1 week postpartum, maternal and infant health status was assessed and information on factors motivating choice-of early discharge and about intensity of concerns was gathered by questionnaire. Results showed no significant differences between groups with respect to medical outcome and intensity of concerns. A significantly greater number of infants in the early discharge group received medical supervision for jaundice. Women in the early discharge group had greater recall of prenatal learning, more support following discharge, and ranked a statistically significant fewer number of items of concerns as much concern. Findings support the need for greater nursing intervention during the pureperium and research evaluating programs designed to facilitate learning and postpartal adjustment of new parents