Controversial issues surrounding early postpartum discharge.
Throughout the world, early postpartum discharge programs are emerging as one strategy for reducing health care costs and, in some areas, relieving the shortage of hospital beds. This article summarizes the research findings to date regarding programs of early postpartum discharge. Additionally, findings from recently completed work on a program of early discharge for high-risk childbearing families is discussed.
Brown
L P
LP
Health Care of Women and Childbearing Families Division, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
Towne
S A
SA
York
R
R
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000191:economics; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D012449:Safety