Effectiveness of relevant interventions with readiness for discharge in transitional care of low birth weight infants: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Readiness for the discharge process to caring for low birth weight (LBW) is a top priority in providing quality nursing services in the perinatology room. The process of readiness for discharge is considered successful if the LBW is safe and comfortable during discharge. This study aimed to identify interventions relevant to readiness for discharge to improve transitional care for LBW and to assess the quality of available evidence using a systematic scientific approach. Methods: Following the PRISMA checklist, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies was identified in eight electronic databases published from 2015 to 2022. All articles were discovered using the PICO framework and assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool. All articles were analyzed and synthesized narratively. Results: A total of 201 titles were identified, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria involving 3158 parents. Ten studies were RCT studies, and fifteen were quasi-experimental studies. The results of the narrative synthesis carried out on twenty-five articles showed that interventions relevant to readiness for discharge were effective in improving the transition care for LBW, including the transition to parenthood and the transition from hospital to home related to the ability to care for LBW. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that nurses can modify and effectively carry out interventions relevant to discharge readiness to improve the transition care for LBW. Perinatology nurses must actively involve families in supporting mothers in optimal readiness for discharge.