An investigation of postnatal length of stay in hospital and infant readmission to hospital

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Jones, Eleanor (2019). An investigation of postnatal length of stay in hospital and infant readmission to hospital. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

More women in England now have a shorter stay in hospital following birth despite increased medical intervention during childbirth. Infant admissions have also increased over the last decade. Evidence on the association between postnatal length of stay and infant readmission to hospital is conflicting. This thesis investigated the possible relationship between postnatal length of stay in hospital and infant readmissions. The systematic review found that early postnatal discharge (< 48 hours following vaginal birth: < 96 hours following caesarean birth) increases infant readmissions to hospital. The cross sectional study found that most of the increase in infant admission rate in the first 0-6 days of life was attributable to potentially preventable conditions, physiological jaundice and feeding related difficulties. The qualitative interview study found that parents did not perceive their hospital postnatal care to be an important factor in their infant’s readmission to hospital and were strongly motivated to go home following the birth hospitalisation. Given the enormous cost of infant readmissions to the NHS and potential trauma to both parents and infants, integrated care pathways and targeted community interventions should be developed to better support women and infants who are discharged under 48 hours, and infants at risk of being readmitted for jaundice and feeding difficulties.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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