Needs for Discharge Planning Among Parents of Preterm Infants in the NICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Jiaming Wu¹Longli Li¹Xin Guo²Xue Hu^3*

• ¹Xing Yi People's Hospital, Guizhou, China
• ²Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
• ³Yan'an Hospital Affiliated To Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China

Objectives To identify the discharge preparation service needs of parents of preterm infants through a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. Methods A systematic search was conducted for qualitative studies examining the discharge preparation needs, experiences, and perceptions of parents of preterm infants. The search was limited to publications in English and Chinese, as these were the languages in which the research team was proficient, ensuring accurate comprehension and interpretation of the nuanced qualitative data. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (P) Parents of preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU or parents of preterm infants discharged from the NICU; (I) Needs, experiences, and difficulties encountered by parents of preterm infants in preparation for hospital discharge; (Co) Follow-up of preterm infants during hospitalization in the NICU or in the weeks following discharge from the NICU; (S) Various types of qualitative research. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, assessed the full texts of potentially eligible studies for inclusion, evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies, and extracted the data. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Results A total of 12 studies revealed 3 descriptive themes and 9 sub-themes: (1) psychological and social support needs, (2) information and skills support needs, (3) continuity of services and resource requirements. Conclusion During the preparation for discharge of parents of preterm infants in the NICU, their needs for psychological support, knowledge, and skills in preterm infant care, as well as post-discharge support, are evident. Healthcare professionals should address their psychological needs, facilitate family role adaptation, provide individualized health education, and strengthen the post-discharge support system to enhance parents' ability to care for preterm infants at home. Implications to practice The findings of this study demonstrate the multidimensional needs of parents of preterm infants regarding psychological and social support, informational and skill-based assistance, as well as service continuity and resource availability. This establishes a family-centered, multidimensional support framework, enhances interprofessional collaboration and resource integration, and ensures service accessibility and sustainability.