Discharge Planning Model for Pregnant Women with Premature Labor of Lampang Hospital

Abstract

Premature labor poses a significant obstetric crisis affecting pregnant women, infants, families, and society at large. Consequently, self-management for preventing premature labor is crucial for pregnant women. This study aimed to develop and assess a discharge planning model for pregnant women admitted to the labor room of Lampang Hospital with premature labor. The study involved 60 pregnant women experiencing premature labor and eight registered nurses. The research, conducted between October 2022 and March 2023, followed four steps: situational analysis to identify problems, development of a discharge planning model for pregnant women with premature labor, trial implementation of the model, and evaluation. Data analysis included content analysis for qualitative data and frequency and percentage for quantitative data. The results included two main findings. Firstly, the discharge planning model for pregnant women with premature labor included 1) diagnosis of existing disease/symptoms; 2) health education for pregnant women and families; 3) implement discharge planning activities for them; 4) the satisfaction of the model; 5) continuing care through either telephone or Line group visits. Secondly, following the model's implementation, the full-term birth rate was high at 90.00%, and the readmission rate was only 5.00%. The study concluded that the discharge planning model effectively reduced readmission rates and extended the length of pregnancy.  However, variations in individual gestational age might impact the completion of continuing care visits as specified in the model. Therefore, registered nurses in the delivery room should recognize the significance of effective discharge planning to enhance the health of both mothers and infants.