Characteristics of neonatal transports in California.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the current scope of neonatal inter-facility transports.

STUDY

DESIGN

California databases were used to characterize infants transported in the first week after birth from 2009 to 2012.

RESULTS

Transport of the 22 550 neonates was classified as emergent 9383 (41.6%), urgent 8844 (39.2%), scheduled 2082 (9.2%) and other 85 (0.4%). In addition, 2152 (9.5%) were initiated for delivery attendance. Most transports originated from hospitals without a neonatal intensive care unit (68%), with the majority transferred to regional centers (66%). Compared with those born and cared for at the birth hospital, the odds of being transported were higher if the patient's mother was Hispanic, <20 years old, or had a previous C-section. An Apgar score <3 at 10 min of age, cardiac compressions in the delivery room, or major birth defect were also risk factors for neonatal transport.

CONCLUSION

As many neonates receive transport within the first week after birth, there may be opportunities for quality improvement activities in this area.