Date of this Version
11-21-2025
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Delays and inconsistencies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharges are well documented sources of caregiver distress, prolonged hospitalization, and preventable complications, particularly when discharge teaching lacks structure and continuity (Bourque et al., 2023; Davidson et al., 2020; Kaemingk et al., 2022). Baseline assessment at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital revealed similar issues, including variable caregiver instruction, inconsistent staff communication, and unpredictable discharge timing. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project implemented a standardized NICU discharge readiness checklist over a 10-week period, guided by the Plan Do Study Act model to improve reliability and completeness of discharge preparation. Post-intervention caregiver surveys demonstrated marked improvement across all measured domains of readiness. Caregiver confidence in caring for their infant increased from 55% to 97%, emergency preparedness from 38% to 93%, recognition of potential complications from 31% to 86%, medication understanding from 55% to 90%, and clarity of follow-up instructions from 38% to 97%. Emotional readiness also increased from 76% to 93%. Nursing survey findings mirrored these results, with 87% reporting that the checklist addressed essential discharge content and 83% indicating that it integrated easily into workflow. Concern about discharge-related delays decreased to 25%, aligning with national evidence that structured tools reduce inefficiencies and enhance care transitions (Kucharczuk et al., 2021; Mazur et al., 2021). These findings demonstrate that standardized discharge tools significantly improve caregiver comprehension, support staff efficiency, and promote safer and more consistent NICU discharge practices.
Recommended Citation
Barrios, Arlenis, "Enhancing Timeliness and Efficiency in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge Processes Through an Optimized Discharge Checklist: A Quality Improvement Project" (2025). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 379.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/379