Low readmission rates during neonatal homecare: Gestational age and bronchopulmonary dysplasia as key predictors

AIM: Homecare for neonates has advanced, but combative analysis of contact methods remains unexplored. The aim was to identify predictors of readmission during homecare and to compare home visit, telemedicine or outpatient visit.

METHODS: This retrospective study included infants receiving homecare from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022. Data were obtained from local databases from six neonatal units in Denmark. The medical records of readmitted infants were reviewed. The main outcome were causes and predictors of readmission during homecare. The secondary outcome was exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.

RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 4827 infants (boys = 54.0%). The rate of unplanned readmissions was 4.6%. A gestational age (GA) <32 weeks (p-value <0.01) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p-value <0.01) were predictors of readmission. There was no difference in unplanned readmissions based on contact method (p-value = 0.46 for telemedicine, p-value = 0.11 for outpatient visit). The overall exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge from homecare was 64.1%.

CONCLUSION: Homecare can be provided for preterm and term infants while establishing oral feeding, with caution on infants with a GA < 32 or BPD. All types of contact methods during homecare investigated can be provided equally in relation to readmission and exclusive breastfeeding.