Description of a Home Follow-up Program for Childbearing Families

Over the years, nurses have identified the need for home follow-up of postpartum families after discharge from the hospital. In the current health-care environment, the need for follow-up care is greater than ever. This article reviews the rationale for a follow-up program and describes a model, in existence since 1987, that makes postpartum follow-up an integral part of the total nursing care that childbearing families receive from the institution. The purpose, objectives, components, organization, documentation, funding, and evaluation of the program are described.