Maternal Discharge Preparation Needs for Preterm Infants With Less Than 32 Weeks of Gestation: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explore mothers' specific discharge preparation needs for preterm infants born before 32 gestational weeks, providing a foundation for developing effective discharge education programmes.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

A semi-structured interview was conducted of 16 mothers of preterm infants less than 32 weeks gestation within 1 week post-discharge in March–June 2024. Directed content analysis was conducted using the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change framework to code, categorise, and identify themes within the interview data.

Results

Mothers provided rich, practical, experience-driven feedback regarding discharge preparedness needs. The interview resulted in three emergent themes related to the theory's constructs: maternal needs for knowledge acquisition, multifaceted social support, and adjusting learning strategies. These encompass sub-themes such as observing infant behaviour and health status, basic care knowledge, complex medical care guidance; support from medical staff, family members, fellow parents, community healthcare providers, and Wechat platform tools; learning time arrangement, and preferred learning approaches.

Conclusion

This study explored the discharge preparation needs of mothers with premature infants less than 32 weeks gestation. A nurse-led multidisciplinary team should tailor education programmes, emphasising care knowledge, multifaceted social support, and flexible learning. Future research should assess programme effectiveness on maternal and infant outcomes.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The study's results provided targeted guidance for clinical nursing education, enhancing mothers' readiness for preterm infant discharge and facilitating a smoother NICU-to-home transition.

Impact

These findings provide important guidance for nurse-led tailored discharge education and preparation services, thereby promoting improvements in clinical nursing practice and the development of nursing education.

Reporting Method

The COREQ checklist was used for reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

Four mothers of premature infants (< 32 weeks gestation) provided feedback on the interview guide in the design phase, refining it for the target population, without joining the main study.