Planned early discharge from New Zealand maternity hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the Plunket National Child Health Study was to establish a database on health indicators of New Zealand children and families. This paper examines the issue of early discharge in New Zealand maternity hospitals.


METHODS
As part of the study, 4286 parents were interviewed when the child was around six weeks post partum regarding their planned choice for length of post natal hospital stay and their actual length of stay.


RESULTS
Most New Zealand mothers choose to stay in hospital for 4-7 days following childbirth. Those mothers choosing early discharge (within 48 hours of delivery), tended to be multiparous, nonEuropean, less educated and of lower socioeconomic status.


CONCLUSIONS
The characteristics of those choosing early discharge demonstrate the vulnerability of this group and also have implications for the provision of health care services which are discussed.
Mitchell
S D
SD
Research and Education Unit, Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, Dunedin.
Counsell
A M
AM
Geddis
D C
DC
Alison
L H
LH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003710:Demography; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009520:New Zealand; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors