Early discharge of first-time parents and their newborn: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION: This scoping review aims to identify the evidence and the factors influencing the outcomes of early discharge of both healthy first-time mothers and newborns.

METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted using four databases up to February 2021, and a search for grey literature was performed. A total of 2030 articles were identified and reduced to 13 articles, and one article was added through chain search in reference lists. The aims of the identified studies, the methodology, participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the setting, context, and findings are summarized.

RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included. A thematic analysis identified the following factors influencing the outcomes of discharge within 24 hours after birth: parental education in pregnancy, perinatal information before discharge, sources of support, and follow-up strategies after discharge. Also, the analysis identified outcomes such as breastfeeding, parents' experience and readmission of the newborn that may be influenced when first-time parents are discharged within 24 hours after birth. Findings in this review highlight the importance of identifying factors and outcomes related to early discharge. However, because of the heterogeneity in methodology, terminology and assessment procedures used in the retrieved articles, the generalization of study results is limited.

CONCLUSIONS: A gap in the literature about the outcomes of discharge within 24 hours after birth has been identified. Future studies with strong evidence are needed, defining criteria, context, and intervention.