Vermont Oxford Network: effective and efficient medical care for the neonate

The Vermont Oxford Network is a non-profit, voluntary collaboration of health care professionals supported by membership fees and research grants which collects data from 310 intensive care units located in the United States and in many countries around the world. Data are collected on infants between 401-1500 grams and this data is entered into an international database. The information generated by the Vermont Oxford Network can be used for comparisons among hospitals providing similar levels of care. Medical problems can be identified and quality improvement projects implemented. This network also provides an opportunity to participate in randomized clinical trials, serves as an educational tool for the hospital staff, and the information provided helps the physician practice evidence based medicine in an efficient manner. Currently four hospitals in Kentucky are participating in this network and the University of Louisville Hospital has participated in two controlled, randomized studies.