Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal: Frontiers in Pediatrics

Volume number: 8

ISSN: 2296-2360

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00505

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Abstract: 
Aim:To evaluate our early discharge program of preterm infants with nasogastric tube feeding (NTF) and close outpatient clinic follow-up with regard to safety, parent satisfaction and parental stress level. Methods:119 preterm infants were discharged on NTF from our tertiary care neonatal unit (median gestational age 31.0 weeks, median birthweight 1,650 g). Parental satisfaction was evaluated by a standardized questionnaire. For safety assessment growth until term equivalent age and re-hospitalizations within 2 months after discharge were evaluated. Results:Infants were discharged home at a median gestational age of 35.4 weeks after a median hospital stay of 22 days. Follow up was attained in 95 of 104 parent-infant dyads. The majority of parents (94%) reported that they had made the right decision in taking their infant home on NTF. At the time of discharge 86% of parents felt very well-prepared to perform NTF. 70% Of parents rated their stress level at home as low (<= 2 out of 5). There were no NTF associated readmissions and no growth faltering until term equivalent age. Conclusion:Early discharge of preterm infants with NTF together with outpatient clinic follow-up is very well-accepted by parents and appears to be safe.

Harvard Citation style: Schuler, R., Ehrhardt, H. and Mihatsch, W. (2020) Safety and Parental Satisfaction With Early Discharge of Preterm Infants on Nasogastric Tube Feeding and Outpatient Clinic Follow-Up, Frontiers in Pediatrics, 8, Article 505. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00505

APA Citation style: Schuler, R., Ehrhardt, H., & Mihatsch, W. (2020). Safety and Parental Satisfaction With Early Discharge of Preterm Infants on Nasogastric Tube Feeding and Outpatient Clinic Follow-Up. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 8, Article 505. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00505