Baby on the move: issues in neonatal transport.
The 2003 review of UK neonatal services led to wide-ranging changes including the centralisation of intensive care into level 3 units, the geographical organisation of neonatal care into 'networks', and the setting up of dedicated network transport teams. Despite these changes, neonatal transport continues to be problematic. Approaches to neonatal transportation are not yet standardised and this presents logistical problems for staff. Risks need to be considered and managed effectively to ensure safety for all involved. Although algorithms are in use for general stabilisation of the neonates, more guidance is required for effective stabilisation and management of infants with complex/surgical conditions. Staff involved in transport need to understand how neonatal physiology may be altered during transportation. They should also consider the legal implications of neonatal transport which are likely to remain unclear until the law is challenged in some way.
Teasdale
Debra
D
Faculty of Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University. Debra.Teasdale@canterbury.ac.uk
Hamilton
Catherine
C
D000004:Abbreviations as Topic; D000465:Algorithms; D000552:Ambulances; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000458:organization & administration*