Discharging neonates with congenital heart disease after cardiac surgery: a practical approach.

Discharging neonates to home after cardiac surgery takes time, effective communication, and a commitment to continuity of care. The efforts of all members of a multidisciplinary team are necessary and valuable to ensure success. The discharge process involves many steps beginning at the time of admission and continuing past the actual discharge date. Discharge planning is an evolving process rather than a single event.