Discharge of mothers and babies from hospital after birth of a healthy full-term infant: developing criteria through a community-wide consensus process.

OBJECTIVE To ensure safe care of mothers and babies after birth, irrespective of length of hospital stay, and to ensure effective links between hospital and community postnatal services. METHODS Program aimed toward consumers and professionals working with them in Ottawa-Carleton (750,000 persons.) All pregnant women in the community included. Program developed by professionals, institutions and community agencies. Information on current practices elsewhere and early discharge literature studied. New provincial survey on practice changes performed in Ontario. Emergency room utilization data analyzed. Discharge and post-discharge criteria, and a common prenatal education curriculum, developed. RESULTS Multidisciplinary, multi-sectoral committees, institutions and agencies have developed programs for appropriate discharge practice and improved postnatal follow-up. Professionals have supported flexible discharge guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Provided discharge criteria and follow-up are available, flexible discharge timing and safety appear compatible. The Ottawa-Carleton process to develop criteria and programs has allowed a collaborative, consensus-based approach to 'early' newborn discharge.