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The Safety of Canadian Early Discharge Guidelines

Effects of Discharge Timing on Readmission in the First Year Post-discharge and Exclusive Breastfeeding to Four Months

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Abstract

Background

Few studies have examined earlier discharge in relation to Canadian guidelines for earlier discharge and infant feeding. We addressed differences in readmission (1 year post-discharge) and exclusive breastfeeding (4 months) for newborns and mothers discharged within 48 hours compared to those with a longer hospital stay.

Method

A cohort of 1,357 vaginally delivered singleton normal newborns and their mothers (births between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 1997) were studied by linking five databases and a chart audit.

Results

Overall there were no differences in infant and maternal readmission or rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Canadian guidelines for earlier discharge appear appropriate for vaginally delivered singleton normal newborns and their mothers with timely home visitation.

Résumé

Contexte

Rares sont les études qui portent sur le congé précoce après l’accouchement à la lumière des recommandations canadiennes sur le congé précoce et l’allaitement des nouveau-nés. Nous avons examiné les différences entre le taux de réadmission (dans l’année suivant la sortie de l’hôpital) et le taux d’allaitement exclusivement au sein (pendant quatre mois) chez les nouveau-nés et les mères ayant obtenu leur congé de l’hôpital dans les 48 heures suivant l’accouchement et chez des sujets ayant séjourné plus longtemps à l’hôpital.

Méthode

Nous avons étudié une cohorte de 1 357 bébés uniques normaux nés par accouchement vaginal entre le 1er janvier 1996 et le 31 mars 1997, avec leurs mères, en vérifiant leurs dossiers médicaux et en appariant cinq bases de données.

Résultats

Globalement, il n’y avait pas de différence dans les taux de réadmission des mères et des nouveau-nés, ni dans les taux d’allaitement exclusivement au sein.

Conclusion

Les recommandations canadiennes au regard du congé précoce semblent appropriées pour les bébés uniques normaux nés par accouchement vaginal et pour les mères qui bénéficient de visites à domicile en temps opportun.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chinook Health Region, Lethbridge, AB, Canada

    Sharon Yanicki BSN, RN, Paul Hasselback MD, MSc, FRCPC & Chris Jensen-Ross BN, RN

  2. University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada

    Mark Sandilands PhD

  3. Medical Officer of Health, Chinook Health Region, 960-19th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5, Canada

    Paul Hasselback MD, MSc, FRCPC

Authors
  1. Sharon Yanicki BSN, RN
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  2. Paul Hasselback MD, MSc, FRCPC
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  3. Mark Sandilands PhD
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  4. Chris Jensen-Ross BN, RN
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Additional information

Acknowledgements: This study was funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Chinook Health Region, and Swift and Efficient Application of Research in Community Health (S.E.A.R.C.H.). The authors acknowledge the support and commitment of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research; the Chinook Health Region; Dr. Linda Storoz; Dr. Don Wescott and research assistants, Isobelle Wilde and Lucia Pfeutte. Technical support was provided by Stu Fowler, computer analyst, and Laura James, health records analyst.

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Yanicki, S., Hasselback, P., Sandilands, M. et al. The Safety of Canadian Early Discharge Guidelines. Can J Public Health 93, 26–30 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404413

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404413

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