title: Development of a neonatal case-mix classification.
abstract: This article introduces a neonatal classification based on latent class analysis. The neonatal classification generates five distinct classes ranging from the normal-birth-weight, full-term, healthy baby to the low-birth-weight preterm infant with many life-threatening problems. Unlike several suggested neonatal classifications, latent class analysis accommodates the range and severity of illness typically encountered in neonatal populations. It also provides a classification based solely on the personal characteristics of the newborn that can be used to investigate variation in the use of neonatal services.
mesh_terms: D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000145:classification*; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009017:Morbidity; D009359:Neonatology / Q000379:methods*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012606:Scotland