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. 2020 Mar;40(3):394-403.
doi: 10.1038/s41372-019-0409-7. Epub 2019 Jul 3.

Neonatal transport in California: findings from a qualitative investigation

Vishnu Priya Akula  1 , Laura C Hedli  2 , Krisa Van Meurs  2 , Jeffrey B Gould  2   3   4 , Kan Peiyi  4 , Henry C Lee  2   4
Affiliations

Neonatal transport in California: findings from a qualitative investigation

Vishnu Priya Akula et al. J Perinatol. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To identify characteristics of neonatal transport in California and which factors influence team performance.

Study design: We led focus group discussions with 19 transport teams operating in California, interviewing 158 neonatal transport team members. Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Result: The composition of transport teams varied widely. There was strong thematic resonance to suggest that the nature of emergent neonatal transports is unpredictable and poses several significant challenges including staffing, ambulance availability, and administrative support. Teams reported dealing with this unpredictability by engaging in teamwork, gathering experience with staff at referral hospitals, planning for a wide variety of circumstances, specialized training, debriefing after events, and implementing quality improvement strategies.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest potential opportunities for improvement in neonatal transport. Future research can explore the cost and benefits of strategies such as dedicated transport services, transfer centers, and telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The change in TRIPS score from the beginning transport to the end of transport for all three groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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