Weaknesses in the continuity of care for preterm infants discharged from the neonatal unit

Abstract

Objective: To identify weaknesses in the continuity of care for preterm infants discharged from a neonatal unit, based on the perspective of professionals in the family health strategy. Method: Qualitative research, carried out with 16 professionals from four health regions in a capital city in the center-west of Brazil. Data collection took place from October to December 2020, through semi-structured, individual, and in-person interviews. Data underwent content analysis, supported by the concept of continuity of care. Results: The analysis consisted of three categories: Challenges for care in the unit and referral to specialized services; weak interactions between the preterm baby’s family and health professionals; Information: essential aspect for the connection between health professionals and the family of the preterm newborn. Conclusion: Health services are shown to be fragile in terms of the dimensions of continuity of care, contributing to the discontinuity of care for preterm children.