Table 3.77Main resource requirements for early discharge following vaginal birth

ResourceDescription
Staff
▪

Same designated staff for postnatal care of women and newborns in health facilities (nurse, midwife, doctor, social worker or another health worker)

▪

Might require additional personnel for follow-up after early discharge (home visits, phone-based follow-up, outpatient postnatal care contacts)

Training
▪

Same as regular practice-based training for health workers

▪

Might require additional personnel and education or training sessions for follow-up after early discharge

Supplies
▪

Same as usual care for in-facility postnatal care

▪

Might require redistribution or additional supplies for follow-up after early discharge

Equipment and infrastructure
▪

Same basic and adequate equipment for postnatal care that is available in sufficient quantities at all times in the postnatal care ward

▪

In general, may reduce bed occupancy, unless high maternity volumes

▪

Might require additional equipment available for follow-up after early discharge

Time
▪

Same time requirements for admission and discharge from postnatal ward

▪

Less staff time on the postnatal ward, and the same or increased staff time for follow-up after early discharge (travel time for home visits, time for home visits, phone-based contacts, outpatient postnatal contacts)

▪

Increased time for women and caregivers after discharge (e.g. to travel to health workers for outpatient contacts and time the woman’s support person might have to take off work following discharge)

Supervision and monitoring
▪

Regular supportive supervision and review by ward/clinic/facility lead

▪

Might require building and enhancing systems for follow-up after early discharge (integration of midwives or nurses into home-based postnatal care, establishing networks of health workers, integration of facility and community postnatal care)

From: 3, Evidence and recommendations

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WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience [Internet].
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