Experiences of Early Postnatal Discharge Home as Perceived by Mothers and Healthcare Professionals

NCT07425665 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: BbDom94
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 70
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

In recent years, the average length of stay in maternity units has decreased, leading to the development of early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) programs. Postnatal follow-up is a major public health issue, as it supports the physical and psychological well-being of mothers and newborns, helps parents adjust to their new roles, and promotes health prevention and education. International studies show that mothers expect longer and more comprehensive follow-up, particularly regarding child development, sexuality, contraception, and returning to work. In France, EPDH has existed since the early 2000s and is offered to low-risk mothers and newborns shortly after birth, with two or three follow-up visits at home or in healthcare facilities. As these programs are expected to expand, there is a need to better understand the experiences and needs of both mothers and healthcare professionals. This qualitative study, conducted in the Val-de-Marne department, aims to explore how they experience early discharge at individual, organizational, and medical levels. It seeks to identify the factors that contribute to positive or negative postnatal experiences and to compare local findings with existing international research.

Conditions

Health Services Research

Keywords

Perinatal care; Mothers' experiences; Healthcare professionals' experiences; Healthcare organization

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• The results of the thematic data analysis (see above "Data Analysis").

  The study triangulates sources by collecting observations, individual interviews, and group interviews. All collected data are analyzed thematically and inductively, meaning that themes are developed dynamically by the researchers. The analysis is conducted by two researchers and regularly discussed with the scientific committee

  Eight months

Interventions

The study is qualitative, prospective, and multicenter. Participation is offered to centers and individuals with experience of early postnatal discharge home who meet the inclusion criteria OTHER

To document the experiences of those involved, the Intercommunal Hospital Center of Créteil (CHIC), the Perinatal Network of Val-de-Marne (RPVM), and the Ile-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) are conducting a study with women and healthcare professionals who experience early postnatal discharge home in Val-de-Marne. The originality of this approach lies in using a qualitative methodology to understand early discharge home in all its complexity, giving due importance to the subjectivity and knowledge of the people involved (mothers, maternity and home care professionals). The qualitative approach assumes that the respondents possess specific knowledge derived from their lived experience, and that this knowledge can and should inform decisions regarding healthcare organization. It is particularly well-suited to capturing everyday health situations and involving stakeholders (patients and caregivers) in the analysis, understanding, and improvement of care.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Mothers Home care professionals Key witnesses (doctors, associations, researchers, etc.)

You may qualify if:

• Public maternity unit in Val-de-Marne offering mothers early discharge home and willing to participate

You may not qualify if:

• Maternity unit opposed to participation
• Selection of Home Care Professionals
• Healthcare professional involved in the follow-up of early postnatal discharge home for women in Val-de-Marne and willing to participate in the study
• Person with expertise in early return home and willing to participate

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil: lead

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Longitudinal Studies

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cohort Studies; Epidemiologic Studies; Epidemiologic Study Characteristics; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Health Care Evaluation Mechanisms; Quality of Health Care; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation; Public Health; Environment and Public Health

Study Officials

• Edouard LECARPENTIER, Pr

  Centre Intercommunal de Créteil

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Emmanuelle LAUMONDE, Midwife

  Hôpitaux Paris Est Val-de-Marne (Site Saint-Maurice)

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Fabienne PIGEARD, Midwife

  Centre Intercommunal de Villeneuve-Saint-George

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Andrès IRURETA GOYENA CADIOT, Paramedical

CONTACT

0157023555; andres.iruretagoyenacadiot@chicreteil.fr

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 16, 2026
• First Posted: February 23, 2026
• Study Start: March 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2027
• Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share