Discharge criteria, practices, and decision-making in the transition of preterm infants to home

Our findings provide insight into facilitators and barriers in preterm infants' transition from hospital to home. Staff were ambivalent about timing of discharge, and criteria and practices varied between and within units depending on local routines and staff preferences. The transition process was staff-driven, with limited parental involvement in care planning, and staff discontinuity caused delay. Home care models combining telemedicine and home visits, adapted to the needs of the family, was described as effective and appraised. Empowering parents by earlier transfer of care responsibilities and involvement in care planning, could facilitate transition to home and reduce length of stay.