Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Any study design was eligible for inclusion in the review. In practice, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies and case series were included. There does not appear to have been any restrictions on the length of follow-up required in the studies.
Specific interventions included in the review
Early postpartum discharge (less than 48 hours after vaginal birth or 96 hours after Caesarean delivery) was compared with traditional discharge periods (usually around 4 days' duration). Trials of early postpartum discharge, defined as 3 days after vaginal birth, were excluded.
Participants included in the review
Pregnant women, generally with no important prenatal complications and uncomplicated deliveries, were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Four primary outcomes were assessed:
maternal and neonatal complications requiring readmission and out-patient visits;
maternal concerns, including fatigue, anxiety and self-confidence after delivery;
patient satisfaction, usually in relation to the length of stay and quality of care; and
cost-savings, in terms of the reduction in total charges for the in-patient stay and any out-patient follow-up and visits.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.