| Title | Neonatal transport in California: findings from a qualitative investigation. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2020 |
| Authors | Akula VPriya, Hedli LC, Van Meurs K, Gould JB, Peiyi K, Lee HC |
| Journal | J Perinatol |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 394-403 |
| Date Published | 2020 03 |
| ISSN | 1476-5543 |
| Keywords | California, Focus Groups, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Interviews as Topic, Patient Care Team, Qualitative Research, Quality Improvement, Tertiary Care Centers, Transportation of Patients, Workforce |
| 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. |
| DOI | 10.1038/s41372-019-0409-7 |
| Alternate Journal | J Perinatol |
| PubMed ID | 31270432 |
| PubMed Central ID | PMC7223647 |
| Grant List | UL1 TR001085 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States |
