Abstract
Objective
We compared the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit discharge preparedness of families with and without Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Study design
We performed a retrospective analysis of discharged families. Each family’s discharge preparation was self-assessed on the day of discharge, and the discharging nurse assessed the family’s overall emotional and technical discharge preparedness all on 9-point Likert scales. Families were considered not prepared for discharge if they rated themselves or the nurse rated their preparedness as <7 on the Likert scale.
Results
Among 1307 discharged families, 90 had LEP. The odds of being prepared for discharge were the same for both groups (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.27–1.41; p = 0.258). In multivariable analyses, families with LEP were less likely to be prepared with technical baby care skills (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.81).
Conclusion
Families with LEP are at higher risk and may require special attention when preparing for NICU discharge.
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Obregon, E., Martin, C., Frantz III, I. et al. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit discharge preparedness among families with limited english proficiency. J Perinatol 39, 135–142 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0255-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0255-z
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