Transporting the incubator: effects upon a region of the adoption of guidelines for high-risk maternal transport.
OBJECTIVE
To inventory maternal transport practices and develop regional transport guidelines.


METHODS
A survey was administered to perinatal nursing directors of nine community hospitals in a rural region of Virginia. Items included personnel, training, equipment, vehicle, communication, and protocols. Following the survey, regional guidelines were developed using a collaborative process. Their use was promoted in the region. A post-intervention survey documented changes in transport practices.


RESULTS
The pre-intervention survey showed wide variability in training and number of personnel and in availability of emergency equipment. Communication was via radio to a dispatcher. No hospital had standing orders or protocols for transport. Guidelines were developed, which included recommendations for personnel, equipment, vehicle, communication methods, and care protocols. Eight of nine hospitals endorsed the guidelines. A follow-up survey revealed practice changes for standing orders/protocols, communication, and equipment.


CONCLUSIONS
Regionwide practice changes can be successfully implemented. Guidelines may be helpful for other regions using primarily one-way maternal transports.
Gibson
M E
ME
School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Bailey
C F
CF
Ferguson
J E
JE
D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D005260:Female; D006780:Hospitals, Rural; D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D014187:Transportation of Patients; D014768:Virginia