Families received preadmission care in several settings and described varying degrees of care coordination during their admission processes. This research can guide improvements in hospitals' admission systems, necessary to achieve health system integration and continuity of care.

Parents and health care professionals considered several transitional care interventions important as well as feasible. This research might inform hospitals' transitional care programs and policies.

These direct admission guidelines can be adapted by hospitals and health systems to inform hospital admission policies and protocols. Multistakeholder engagement in evaluation of hospital admission processes may improve transitions of care and health system integration.