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

NCT07425665 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 70

Last updated 2026-02-23

No results posted yet for this study

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

Interventions

OTHER

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

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Edouard LECARPENTIER, Pr · Centre Intercommunal de Créteil

  • Emmanuelle LAUMONDE, Midwife · Hôpitaux Paris Est Val-de-Marne (Site Saint-Maurice)

  • Fabienne PIGEARD, Midwife · Centre Intercommunal de Villeneuve-Saint-George

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-03-31
Primary Completion
2027-08-31
Completion
2027-08-31

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07425665 on ClinicalTrials.gov