Description of a home follow-up program for childbearing families.
Over the years, nurses have identified the need for home follow-up of postpartum families after discharge from the hospital. In the current health-care environment, the need for follow-up care is greater than ever. This article reviews the rationale for a follow-up program and describes a model, in existence since 1987, that makes postpartum follow-up an integral part of the total nursing care that childbearing families receive from the institution. The purpose, objectives, components, organization, documentation, funding, and evaluation of the program are described.
Evans
C J
CJ
Swedish Hospital Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000639:trends; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards