PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Shoshana H Bardach
AU  - Amanda N Perry
AU  - Nirav S Kapadia
AU  - Kathryn E Richards
AU  - Laura K Cogswell
AU  - Tyler K Hartman
TI  - Redesigning care to support earlier discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit: a design thinking informed pilot
AID  - 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001736
DP  - 2022 May 01
TA  - BMJ Open Quality
PG  - e001736
VI  - 11
IP  - 2
4099  - http://bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/11/2/e001736.short
4100  - http://bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/11/2/e001736.full
SO  - BMJ Open Qual2022 May 01; 11
AB  - Background Preterm infants may remain in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to receive proper nutrition via nasogastric tube feedings. However, prolonged NICU stays can have negative effects for the patient, the family and the health system.Aim To demonstrate how a patient-centred, design thinking informed approach supported the development of a pilot programme to enable earlier discharge of preterm babies.Method We report on our design thinking-empathy building approach to programme design, initial outcomes and considerations for ongoing study.Results Through the use of design thinking methods, we identified unique needs, preferences and concerns that guided the development of our novel early discharge programme. We found that stable, preterm infants unable to feed by mouth and requiring nasogastric tubes can be cared for at home with remote patient monitoring and telehealth support. In addition, novel feeding strategies can help address parental preferences without compromising infant growth.Conclusion A patient-centred, design thinking informed approach supported the development of a pilot programme to enable earlier discharge of preterm babies. The programme resulted in a reduced length of stay, thereby increasing NICU bed capacity and limiting hospital turn-aways.Data are available on reasonable request.