Table 4 Mapping of discharge readiness criteria in research and policy documents

Assessment of maternal and infant physiological stability

15 [88%]

[11, 12, 25, 31, 32, 35, 36, 47, 49,50,51, 53, 55, 56]

12 [92%]

[24, 33, 34, 37,38,39, 41,42,43,44,45,46]

 Maternal health (e.g. physical exam, danger signs, pain/discomfort)

10 [59%]

[11, 12, 31, 32, 47, 49, 50, 53, 55, 56]

7 [54%]

[37, 39, 41,42,43, 45, 46]

 Infant health (e.g. physical exam, danger signs, breastfeeding, vnutrition/weight status)

10 [59%]

[32, 35, 36, 47, 50,51,52,53, 55, 56]

10 [77%]

[24, 33, 34, 37, 41,42,43, 45, 46]

 Low birth weight (e.g. stable breathing, full feeds, sustained weight gain)

1 [6%]

[25]

1 [8%]

[24]

 Tests (e.g. maternal serologies, infant metabolic screening, infant hearing screening, infant APGAR test)

8 [47%]

[36, 47, 50,51,52,53, 55, 56]

7 [54%]

[24, 33, 34, 37, 38, 42, 44]

 Treatment (e.g. newborn immunisations, infant HepB vaccine, ARVs for mother and baby if HIV+)

6 [35%]

[32, 35, 36, 51, 52, 56]

8 [62%]

[24, 33, 34, 37, 38, 42,43,44]

Knowledge, ability and confidence regarding self-care and infant care

13 [76%]

[11, 12, 25, 31, 35, 36, 47,48,49,50,51,52,53]

11 [85%]

[24, 33, 34, 37,38,39,40, 42,43,44,45]

 Education (information provided to mother on various topics e.g. breastfeeding, care of newborn, car seat safety, family planning, hygiene practices)

3 [18%]

[36, 47, 52]

10 [77%]

[24, 34, 37,38,39,40, 42,43,44,45]

 Low birth weight (e.g. training for parents on oxygen and/or tube feeds)

1 [6%]

[25]

0

 Assessment of maternal confidence and knowledge (e.g. breastfeeding, caring for baby, caring for self, identifying danger signs, infection control)

11 [65%]

[11, 12, 31, 35, 47,48,49,50,51,52,53]

4 [31%]

[24, 33, 34, 37]

Availability of support at home

15 [88%]

[11, 12, 31, 32, 35, 36, 47,48,49, 51,52,53,54,55,56]

3 [23%]

[24, 33, 34]

 Home environment (e.g. family support, violence, financial concerns)

13 [76%]

[11, 12, 31, 32, 35, 48, 49, 51,52,53,54,55,56]

3 [23%]

[24, 33, 34]

 Social risk factors (e.g. psychosocial concern, smoking, alcohol/substance use, language/access barriers to service)

9 [53%]

[32, 35, 47, 51,52,53,54,55,56]

3 [23%]

[24, 33, 34]

Availability of maternal and infant care following discharge

8 [47%]

[32, 36, 47, 48, 50,51,52,53]

8 [62%]

[24, 34, 37,38,39, 42, 43, 45]

 Follow-up (e.g. instructions provided, timely follow-up arranged/identified, identification of medical facility in case of emergency)

8 [47%]

[32, 36, 47, 48, 50,51,52,53]

8 [62%]

[24, 34, 37,38,39, 42, 43, 45]

 Support services available to family (e.g. family must have a primary care provider, link to community postnatal services, lactation support)

3 [18%]

[25, 51, 52]

3 [23%]

[34, 37, 42]

Other

6 [35%]

[35, 50, 51, 54,55,56]

9 [69%]

[33, 37,38,39,40,41, 43, 44, 46]

 Timing of assessment (ie. ‘x’ hours after birth)

2 [12%]

[52, 56]

2 [15%]

[43, 46]

 Other (e.g. type of birth, multiparous, birth certificate provided)

5 [29%]

[50, 51, 54,55,56]

7 [54%]

[33, 37,38,39,40,41, 44]