Reduced length of hospital stay after caesarean section: A systematic review examining women's experiences and psychosocial outcomes

Background: Globally, reducing hospital stays after caesarean section is becoming more prevalent. Whilst this reduction in length of stay after caesarean section has not been found to be associated with adverse maternal health outcomes, the psychosocial impact and women's experiences have not been systematically reviewed. This review aims to evaluate the literature on women's experiences and psychosocial outcomes (including infant feeding) associated with a reduced hospital stay after caesarean section. Methods: A mixed methods systematic review examining records between 1980 and 2019 was undertaken. The review included research which defines a reduced length of stay in comparison with standard care or a comparator with a longer discharge time. It considered data related to the antenatal period, time of discharge and postnatal period. The following databases were searched: PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. 13,760 records were identified, after duplicates were removed, 10,902 articles were reviewed for suitability by title and abstract. 78 full text articles were assessed, and the final review included 8 articles. Results: A total of 8 articles were included, and four areas were examined: satisfaction with care, mental wellbeing, infant feeding and pain. Articles were of mixed quality when assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Conclusions: This review indicated no evidence of a systematic negative impact on women's psychosocial outcomes and experiences. The review also identifies a number of characteristics of care associated with more positive experiences and psychosocial outcomes. These include the provision of support systems, access to pain management before and after discharge and continued care with home midwifery. The limited number of studies point to the need for more research, and especially those using qualitative methods.