Health Services ResearchBbDom94NCT07425665
Experiences of Early Postnatal Discharge Home as Perceived by Mothers and Healthcare Professionals
An observational study of Health Services Research, run by Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil.
Trial summary
In recent years, the average length of stay in maternity units has decreased, leading to the development of early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) programs. Postnatal follow-up is a major public health issue, as it supports the physical and psychological well-being of mothers and newborns, helps parents adjust to their… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Health Services Research
- What is being tested?
- The study is qualitative, prospective, and multicenter. Participation is offered to centers and individuals with experience of early postnatal discharge home who meet the inclusion criteria
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Mar 2026to Aug 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Mothers Home care professionals Key witnesses (doctors, associations, researchers, etc.)
Who may be able to join
- Public maternity unit in Val-de-Marne offering mothers early discharge home and willing to participate
- -Healthcare professional involved in the follow-up of early postnatal discharge home for women in Val-de-Marne and willing to participate in the study
- -Person with expertise in early return home and willing to participate
Who cannot join
- Maternity unit opposed to participation
- Selection of Home Care Professionals
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Expériences du Retour à Domicile Post-natal précoce Par Les mères et Les Professionnels de santé : enquête Qualitative Sur Les Pratiques et Besoins
In recent years, the average length of stay in maternity units has decreased, leading to the development of early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) programs. Postnatal follow-up is a major public health issue, as it supports the physical and psychological well-being of mothers and newborns, helps parents adjust to their new roles, and promotes health prevention and education.
International studies show that mothers expect longer and more comprehensive follow-up, particularly regarding child development, sexuality, contraception, and returning to work. In France, EPDH has existed since the early 2000s and is offered to low-risk mothers and newborns shortly after birth, with two or three follow-up visits at home or in healthcare facilities.
As these programs are expected to expand, there is a need to better understand the experiences and needs of both mothers and healthcare professionals. This qualitative study, conducted in the Val-de-Marne department, aims to explore how they experience early discharge at individual, organizational, and medical levels. It seeks to identify the factors that contribute to positive or negative postnatal experiences and to compare local findings with existing international research.
Read the detailed description
In recent years, the average length of stay in maternity units has decreased, and various early postnatal discharge home programs have been implemented. From a public health perspective, postnatal follow-up involves multiple challenges: it helps ensure the physical and psychological well-being of both mother and child and provides parents with support in caring for their newborn. During a period of vulnerability, it supports parents in their new roles while also contributing to health promotion and prevention (health behaviors, intra-family violence, etc.).
At the international level, several studies have identified the expectations of mothers and parents, who report a need for longer follow-up focused on child development, sexuality, contraception, and return to work.
In France, early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) has existed since the early 2000s. It is offered to low-risk women and newborns (as defined by the French National Authority for Health), two days after a vaginal birth and three days after a cesarean section. The program includes two or three follow-up visits, either at home or in a healthcare setting.
Early postnatal discharge programs are expected to expand as part of the reorganization of peri- and postnatal care, which requires the development of community-based services enabling mothers to access healthcare professionals as close as possible to their homes. This entails gaining a better understanding of the actual needs of mothers and healthcare professionals across different regions, which are characterized by considerable diversity.
This study is conducted in order to document the needs of mothers and healthcare professionals who experience early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) in the Val-de-Marne department.
It is a qualitative study that does not aim to test a hypothesis, but rather to document lived experiences in order to propose explanatory hypotheses. Accordingly, the study is grounded in the following research questions:
- How do healthcare professionals and mothers experience early postnatal discharge home in Val-de-Marne, at the individual, collective, organizational, familial, and medical levels, among others?
- According to them, what are the dimensions of a positive or negative postnatal experience? What are their needs and expectations?
- Do the experiences of mothers and healthcare professionals (as documented in this study) overlap with those identified in the predominantly international literature, or do they differ?
- Conditions
- Health Services Research
- Being tested
- The study is qualitative, prospective, and multicenter. Participation is offered to centers and individuals with experience of early postnatal discharge home who meet the inclusion criteria
- Keywords
- Perinatal care, Mothers' experiences, Healthcare professionals' experiences, Healthcare organization
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
The study is qualitative, prospective, and multicenter. Participation is offered to centers and individuals with experience of early postnatal discharge home who meet the inclusion criteriaOther
To document the experiences of those involved, the Intercommunal Hospital Center of Créteil (CHIC), the Perinatal Network of Val-de-Marne (RPVM), and the Ile-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) are conducting a study with women and healthcare professionals who experience early postnatal discharge home in Val-de-Marne. The originality of this approach lies in using a qualitative methodology to understand early discharge home in all its complexity, giving due importance to the subjectivity and knowledge of the people involved (mothers, maternity and home care professionals).
The qualitative approach assumes that the respondents possess specific knowledge derived from their lived experience, and that this knowledge can and should inform decisions regarding healthcare organization. It is particularly well-suited to capturing everyday health situations and involving stakeholders (patients and caregivers) in the analysis, understanding, and improvement of care.
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The results of the thematic data analysis (see above "Data Analysis").
The study triangulates sources by collecting observations, individual interviews, and group interviews. All collected data are analyzed thematically and inductively, meaning that themes are developed dynamically by the researchers. The analysis is conducted by two researchers and regularly discussed with the scientific committee
Measured: Eight months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Feb 2026
- Study startMar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionAug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Health Services ResearchStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Edouard LECARPENTIER, Pr, Principal investigator, Centre Intercommunal de CréteilEmmanuelle LAUMONDE, Midwife, Principal investigator, Hôpitaux Paris Est Val-de-Marne (Site Saint-Maurice)Fabienne PIGEARD, Midwife, Principal investigator, Centre Intercommunal de Villeneuve-Saint-George
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07425665
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BbDom94
- Acronym
- BbDom94
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Expériences du Retour à Domicile Post-natal précoce Par Les mères et Les Professionnels de santé : enquête Qualitative Sur Les Pratiques et Besoins
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07425665
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BbDom94 / BbDom94
- Conditions
- Health Services Research
- Keywords
- Perinatal care, Mothers' experiences, Healthcare professionals' experiences, Healthcare organization
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal CreteilUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
In recent years, the average length of stay in maternity units has decreased, leading to the development of early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) programs. Postnatal follow-up is a major public health issue, as it supports the physical and psychological well-being of mothers and newborns, helps parents adjust to their new roles, and promotes health prevention and education.
International studies show that mothers expect longer and more comprehensive follow-up, particularly regarding child development, sexuality, contraception, and returning to work. In France, EPDH has existed since the early 2000s and is offered to low-risk mothers and newborns shortly after birth, with two or three follow-up visits at home or in healthcare facilities.
As these programs are expected to expand, there is a need to better understand the experiences and needs of both mothers and healthcare professionals. This qualitative study, conducted in the Val-de-Marne department, aims to explore how they experience early discharge at individual, organizational, and medical levels. It seeks to identify the factors that contribute to positive or negative postnatal experiences and to compare local findings with existing international research.
Detailed description
In recent years, the average length of stay in maternity units has decreased, and various early postnatal discharge home programs have been implemented. From a public health perspective, postnatal follow-up involves multiple challenges: it helps ensure the physical and psychological well-being of both mother and child and provides parents with support in caring for their newborn. During a period of vulnerability, it supports parents in their new roles while also contributing to health promotion and prevention (health behaviors, intra-family violence, etc.).
At the international level, several studies have identified the expectations of mothers and parents, who report a need for longer follow-up focused on child development, sexuality, contraception, and return to work.
In France, early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) has existed since the early 2000s. It is offered to low-risk women and newborns (as defined by the French National Authority for Health), two days after a vaginal birth and three days after a cesarean section. The program includes two or three follow-up visits, either at home or in a healthcare setting.
Early postnatal discharge programs are expected to expand as part of the reorganization of peri- and postnatal care, which requires the development of community-based services enabling mothers to access healthcare professionals as close as possible to their homes. This entails gaining a better understanding of the actual needs of mothers and healthcare professionals across different regions, which are characterized by considerable diversity.
This study is conducted in order to document the needs of mothers and healthcare professionals who experience early postnatal discharge home (EPDH) in the Val-de-Marne department.
It is a qualitative study that does not aim to test a hypothesis, but rather to document lived experiences in order to propose explanatory hypotheses. Accordingly, the study is grounded in the following research questions:
- How do healthcare professionals and mothers experience early postnatal discharge home in Val-de-Marne, at the individual, collective, organizational, familial, and medical levels, among others?
- According to them, what are the dimensions of a positive or negative postnatal experience? What are their needs and expectations?
- Do the experiences of mothers and healthcare professionals (as documented in this study) overlap with those identified in the predominantly international literature, or do they differ?
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Mothers Home care professionals Key witnesses (doctors, associations, researchers, etc.)
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Public maternity unit in Val-de-Marne offering mothers early discharge home and willing to participate
- -Healthcare professional involved in the follow-up of early postnatal discharge home for women in Val-de-Marne and willing to participate in the study
- -Person with expertise in early return home and willing to participate
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Maternity unit opposed to participation
- Selection of Home Care Professionals
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| The study is qualitative, prospective, and multicenter. Participation is offered to centers and individuals with experience of early postnatal discharge home who meet the inclusion criteriaTo document the experiences of those involved, the Intercommunal Hospital Center of Créteil (CHIC), the Perinatal Network of Val-de-Marne (RPVM), and the Ile-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) are conducting a study with women and healthcare professionals who experience early postnatal discharge home in Val-de-Marne. The originality of this approach lies in using a qualitative methodology to understand early discharge home in all its complexity, giving due importance to the subjectivity and knowledge of the people involved (mothers, maternity and home care professionals). The qualitative approach assumes that the respondents possess specific knowledge derived from their lived experience, and that this knowledge can and should inform decisions regarding healthcare organization. It is particularly well-suited to capturing everyday health situations and involving stakeholders (patients and caregivers) in the analysis, understanding, and improvement of care. | Other | – |
Primary outcome
The results of the thematic data analysis (see above "Data Analysis").
Time frame: Eight months
The study triangulates sources by collecting observations, individual interviews, and group interviews. All collected data are analyzed thematically and inductively, meaning that themes are developed dynamically by the researchers. The analysis is conducted by two researchers and regularly discussed with the scientific committee
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Edouard LECARPENTIER, Pr principal investigator
Centre Intercommunal de Créteil
Emmanuelle LAUMONDE, Midwife principal investigator
Hôpitaux Paris Est Val-de-Marne (Site Saint-Maurice)
Fabienne PIGEARD, Midwife principal investigator
Centre Intercommunal de Villeneuve-Saint-George
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Health Services Research, run by Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Andrès IRURETA GOYENA CADIOT, Paramedical (0157023555, andres.iruretagoyenacadiot@chicreteil.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The results of the thematic data analysis (see above "Data Analysis"). (time frame: Eight months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Feb 2026.