FACTORS INFLUENCING DISCHARGE PLANNING IN SUBOPTIMAL PREGNANCY OUTCOMES (NEONATES).
Contributors: University of Pittsburgh.
Published: 1993
Number of pages: 166
Subjects: Social Work.; Health Sciences, Public Health.; Health Sciences, Health Care Management.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: A number of factors influence discharge planning in suboptimal pregnancy outcomes. The major thesis of this study was that race, public assistance status, and marital status of the mother were factors which affected the formulation of discharge plans for mothers and infants discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Magee-Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

This exploratory retrospective study of one hospital examined medical records of mothers and infants with low birthweight who were discharged from the NICU between April 1, 1990 and December 31, 1990. Data were collected through a review of computerized patient data and through a review of patient medical charts. Those sources of data were used to explore referral patterns which have developed among staff who formulate discharge plans. The sample (n = 273) was a random sample of low birthweight infants of single births discharged during the nine-month period from April to December 1990. Chi-square and logistic regression were the statistical analyses used in the study.

Data indicate that public assistance status had a major impact on the formulation of discharge plans. Race of the mother, however, was not statistically significant. The medical condition of the infants appeared to have had no impact on the formulation of discharge plans. While the data did not prove that race was a factor, it was not possible to rule it out. Race continues to be an important factor which requires further examination.

Because of the increasing number of births among poor families, it is likely that a substantial increase in suboptimal pregnancy outcomes will occur. In view of the findings of this study, there needs to be a universal approach, based on objective evidence, to the manner in which discharge plans are formulated.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-06, Section: A, page: 2321.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, 1993.

School code: 0178.