Development and Expert Validation of a Hospital-to-Home Care Pathway for Preterm Infants in Indonesia: A Qualitative and Delphi Study

Purpose

The transition of preterm infants from hospital to home requires coordinated care across hospital, primary care, community, and family settings. This study aimed to develop and validate a Hospital-to-Home Care Pathway for preterm infants in Indonesia. Patients and Methods: A sequential exploratory qualitative–Delphi consensus design was used. This study was conducted in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, from May 2025 to November 2025. Stage 1 involved 70 stakeholders, including mothers, healthcare providers, community health volunteers (cadres), managers, hospital leaders, and health office representatives. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observations, and document review and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Stage 2 used three Delphi rounds with seven experts to refine and validate the pathway.