Patient satisfaction with an early discharge home visit program.

In 1995, to meet the needs of mothers and newborns discharged early, a home care follow-up program using an advanced practice nurse was initiated at a Midwest academic medical center. Information about the program and elements of patient satisfaction, as measured from program inception, are presented in this article. The major correlates of satisfaction were nurse friendliness, technical skills, infant care teaching, and individualized care. Attending to these areas can facilitate existing program improvement and new program development.