The purpose of this project is to reinvigorate the discharge package for postpartum families by revising outdated educational material and creation of new content. 

In obstetrics, families are sent home with many educational materials pertaining to the care of their baby and themselves after discharge from the hospital. Some of these items are outdated, requiring revision to ensure they meet current best practices and guidelines from governing bodies such as the Canadian Paediatric Society. In addition to revision of current content, the project will also include amalgamating a list of credible resources and community supports that parents can access to support their parenting journey. 

Furthermore, the project will include creation of a new educational pamphlet for the support person (if applicable). Currently, no education is specifically provided to the support person about how they can best care for a postpartum birthing person. This material will consist of expected outcomes and changes for the birthing person, signs and symptoms to watch for with regards to maternal mental health and the importance of healthy relationships on infant development. 

Patient and family engagement will be a crucial component of this project to understand their learning needs and perceived gaps in our discharge process. Students will engage with patients and families after discharge to learn about where our discharge process can be improved and will implement these changes to ensure that families are going home feeling prepared for this transition.

The intended outcome of this project is to create up to date, credible resources for parents to refer back to following discharge so that they feel supported, informed and prepared to care for their infant and themselves at home. Through patient and family engagement, this project will ensure that their voices are captured to inform and improve our discharge process in a way that best meets their needs. 

Specific deliverables include, but are not limited to:

1. Updating the “What to Expect After Your Baby is Born” information package
2. Updating the “Tummy Time, Safe Sleep Practices” and “Normal Newborn Behaviour” information packages
3. Updating the “Newborn Clinics” information sheet 
4. Updating the “Guide to Mood Changes When Pregnant, Postpartum or Parenting” Booklet
5. Creation of community resources for new families (i.e. breastfeeding support groups, Early On Centers)
6. Creation of educational pamphlet for support persons
7. Creation of a discharge checklist for parents to complete (i.e. applying for a SIN number, infant hearing tests, circumcision clinics, breastfeeding appointment, bili/weight checks, 6 week post partum follow up, etc.)
8. Creating any other content or implementing process changes to improve the transition as indicated through patient and family engagement
9. Student Involvement:

Students will review and update existing materials to ensure they are aligned with best practices in infant and postpartum care. Students will call consenting families to understand the perception of success and challenges with the transition to home and implement any changes in the discharge process to bridge perceived gaps in care. Students will collaborate with the Program Manager, Team Leader and interprofessional team members to review and update content. Students will share project updates at monthly care team and unit council meetings. Work would be primarily remote with on site support as required.  

1. Resources Required (if any):

Students will require internet and computer access.

The program manager can provide contact information of consenting families for follow up phone calls. 

1. Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

Students will be offered weekly 30 – 60 minute check ins with the Program Manager or Team Leader based on their availability and phase of the project. The Program Manager will be available to the student as a mentor and assist with addressing any project barriers or challenges. Students will also have the opportunity to attend the monthly Obstetrical Care Team meeting and monthly unit council to share project updates and receive feedback.