[Hospital discharge criteria for very low birth weight newborns]

Abstract

Hospital discharge criteria for the pre-term newborn are mainly based on physiological competences (thermoregulation, respiratory stability, and feeding skills), although family support and ability to care for the baby, as well as a well-planned discharge are also cornerstones to ensure a successful discharge. In this article, the Committee of Standards of the Spanish Society of Neonatology reviews the current hospital discharge criteria in order for it to be useful as a clinical guide in Spanish neonatal units.

Keywords: Alta hospitalaria; Días de estancia; Hospital discharge; Length of stay; Preterm; Pretérmino.