Discharge in neonatal intensive care units: the point of view of the health staff and parents

perspectiva da equipe de saúde e de familiares

Abstract

This study shows how the families of premature neonates and the health team see the preparations for hospital discharge at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach. The results showed three themes: the preparation of the parents for care for the premature baby; the needs of the family and the difficulties experienced in preparing for discharge. Preparation for discharge must be seen as a process built in the relationship health worker-mother-family and must combine clinical and technological competence with a sensitive approach to the needs of each child and its family.