Impact of a nursing intervention based on Meleis transformation theory on discharge readiness of preterm infants: an intervention study

This study aimed to explore the effect of the discharge readiness linkage intervention programme based on the Meleis transformation theory in the home ward of preterm infants. The study population consisted of 74 preterm infants and their caregivers who were admitted to the NICU of Chifeng Municipal Hospital between January and June 2023. The intervention group received the routine care combined with the intervention model of discharge preparation based on the Meleis transition theory, while the control group received routine care. The results indicated that the discharge readiness linkage intervention programme based on the Meleis transformation theory significantly improved the caregiving capacity of preterm caregivers, increased the readiness of the babies for discharge, and reduced the readmission rate of preterm infants within 1 year of discharge. In addition, the discharge readiness linkage intervention programme based on the Meleis transformation theory helped to improve the physical development of preterm babies and the negative emotions of caregivers. We conclude that the discharge readiness linkage intervention programme based on the Meleis transformation theory effectively improves the survival of preterm infants.