A comprehensive benchmark of very preterm and extremely preterm infant care in Shenzhen: insights from the triple aim framework.

BACKGROUND

To assess the baseline level of care for very preterm (VPI) and extremely preterm infants (EPI) in Shenzhen using the Triple Aim framework.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis utilized data from the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network (SNDN) for 2022-2023. We assessed mortality rate, major morbidity rate, benefit metric (a risk-adjusted composite morbidity index), and per capita costs.

RESULTS

The study included 995 infants from 11 NICUs in the SNDN, with an overall mortality rate of 7.5%. The rates for the eight major morbidities were: bronchopulmonary dysplasia 22.6%, grade III-IV intraventricular hemorrhage 5.2%, periventricular leukomalacia 2.2%, stage II-III necrotizing enterocolitis 3.9%, focal intestinal perforation 0.8%, stage 3-5 retinopathy of prematurity 3.8%, discharge weight < 10th percentile 12.1%, and late-onset infections 9.4%. The benefit metric ranged from 0.7 to 3.3, with per capita costs between $212.3 and $342.4.

CONCLUSION

This study provides baseline data on NICU preterm infant management in Shenzhen using the Triple Aim framework, highlights areas for quality improvement.