THE FOLLOW-UP OF PREMATURE NEWBORNS AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE IN THE BRAZILIAN SCENARIO: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Objective: the main potentialities and challenges for monitoring premature newborns after hospital discharge in the Brazilian scenario. Methods: This is an Integrative Review of the literature that included the research question: “What is the scientific production regarding the follow-up of premature newborns in the context of post-hospital discharge in the Brazilian scenario?”. The consultation of the BVS, CINAHL and PUBMED databases was carried out in the first half of 2024. The Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” were used. The inclusion criteria were articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish; with full text available; studies that addressed the follow-up of premature newborns in primary health care and/or specialized outpatient clinics; publications from 2012 to 2024 and articles about the Brazilian reality. Results: Ten articles were selected and a thematic analysis was carried out. Two categories emerged: Factors that facilitate the follow-up of premature newborns and Factors that make it difficult to follow up premature newborns. Conclusion: It concludes that there is a need to carry out scientific research on this topic, so that existing weaknesses become better known and it is possible to seek the implementation of actions that promote adequate follow-up for premature babies.