Discharge from Neonatal Intensive care Unit and health care continuity: a bibliographic study

um estudo bibliográfico

Abstract

This article shows the results of a review study based on National and International publications'related to NICU discharge and integrated health care practices that promote health care continuity. Data were collected from LILACS and MEDLINE between 2003 and 2008, using the following descriptors: patient discharge, integrated health care, newborn, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the term "Integrality" in the "words" search field. We obtained 325 publications, out of which 21 accomplished the selection criteria. The analyzed articles focus on the importance of communication among professionals, parents and family, on the parent's participation in care and on the involvement of professionals in planning actions related to NICU discharge. We conclude that planning and implementation of NICU discharge are critical steps to be considered if the goal is to guarantee integrated health care continuity. The development of strategies promoting parents' empowerment after discharge from NIUC could promote assistance continuity and comprehensive health care during hospitalization and after discharge