Description and evaluation of a program for the early discharge of infants from a neonatal intensive care unit

This is a critical abstract of an economic evaluation that meets the criteria for inclusion on NHS EED. Each abstract contains a brief summary of the methods, the results and conclusions followed by a detailed critical assessment on the reliability of the study and the conclusions drawn. Significantly earlier discharge of high risk neonates can be achieved by using a comprehensive early discharge program. The key components of such a programme are removal of body weight constraints on discharge and better provision of family support.