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Neonatal transport in California: findings from a qualitative investigation

Journal of Perinatology volume 40, pages 394–403 (2020)Cite this article

Subjects

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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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the important contributions of Abhinav Kareddy, University of California, Los Angeles (review of transcripts and illustrative quotes).

Funding

We appreciate the support of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health and Stanford CTSA (grant number UL1 TR001085).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Vishnu Priya Akula, Laura C. Hedli, Krisa Van Meurs, Jeffrey B. Gould & Henry C. Lee

  2. California Perinatal Transport System, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Jeffrey B. Gould

  3. California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Jeffrey B. Gould, Kan Peiyi & Henry C. Lee

Authors
  1. Vishnu Priya Akula
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  2. Laura C. Hedli
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  3. Krisa Van Meurs
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  4. Jeffrey B. Gould
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  5. Kan Peiyi
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  6. Henry C. Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vishnu Priya Akula.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Akula, V.P., Hedli, L.C., Van Meurs, K. et al. Neonatal transport in California: findings from a qualitative investigation. J Perinatol 40, 394–403 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-019-0409-7

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