Implementation and effectiveness of Teleneonatology for neonatal intensive care unit consultations in the Netherlands: a hybrid type III implementation pilot

Abstract

Background: Real-time audiovisual communication between healthcare providers (HCP) at different hospitals (TeleNeonatology) can improve neonatal outcomes, address capacity challenges, and reduce emotional burden on parents. Despite its potential, TeleNeonatology has yet to be widely implemented in routine clinical care, partly due to non-optimal integration into care pathways and working routines. To provide insights for further adoption, this study presents the evaluation of a pilot in the Netherlands.

Methods: A prospective hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation study was conducted in 2024. During the pilot, a TeleNeo program facilitated both acute and elective communication between Erasmus MC NICU-level IV and Amphia NICU-level II. The TeleNeo program was developed and continuously improved during the pilot using co-creation with HCP and parents to enable embedding in care pathways and working routines. A mixed-methods approach was used for evaluation. The primary outcome was a validated 21-item usability questionnaire with five-points Likert Scale questions for parents (n = 50) and HCP (n = 85). Implementation determinants were evaluated with semi-structured interviews and surveys. Effectiveness was measured via parent reported experiences, and clinical outcomes length-of-stay and transfer rate.

Results: Twelve months of implementation led to 99 consultations for 50 patients and families, including 33 acute patients, possibly in need of an acute transfer. Evaluation showed high feasibility and adoption. Usability was high among parents (n = 26, median score 5 [interquartile rage: 4–5]) and HCP (n = 48, median score 5 [interquartile range 4–5]). Parents valued rapid expert availability, involvement in transfer decisions, and experienced shared care between the NICUs. HCP observed quick and approachable communication, quicker medical decisions, improved quality of care, and smoother transitions between NICUs. Nurses were able to be more pro-active. In 18% (6/33) of acute cases transfers were perceived to be prevented. HCP highlighted TeleNeo’s influence on the local teams’ autonomy, communication styles, and financial aspects as important barriers in interviews (n = 12) and questionnaires (n = 65).

Conclusions: Pilot implementation showed high feasibility of our TeleNeo program, enabling shared care at the optimal location for our patients. Our findings will guide a robust strategy for implementation in the Southwest of the Netherlands, enhancing neonatal care, parental satisfaction and nursing experience.

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-05923-y.

Keywords: Co-creation; Digital health; Implementation science; Infant; Neonatal intensive care unit; Neonatology; Telemedicine.

Fig. 1

Indications for TeleNeo consultations

Fig. 2

Outcome measures and data sources categorized to implementation, service, and client outcomes. Abbreviations: aTUQ, adjusted Telehealth Usability Questionnaire [31]. Secondary transfers were defined as a transfer > 2 h after a TeleNeo consultation where was decided not to transfer. Illness severity was objectified using the TRIPS-II score (Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability) [32]

Fig. 3

Responses to adjusted Telehealth Usability Questionnaire from healthcare personnel (n = 48) and parents (n = 26)

Fig. 4

Challenges for implementation (A) and added value of TeleNeonatology (B) based on stakeholder interviews (n = 12) and personnel questionnaires (n = 65 with 53 unique respondents). Data presented as factor, questionnaire respondents (Q = n out of 65), interview respondents (I = n out of 12). Category sizes based on the total number of respondents (questionnaire and interview) that mentioned the specific factor