Multiprofessional cross-site working between a level 1 and a level 3 neonatal unit: a retrospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Neonatal care often involves specialized units with varying levels of expertise.
• Effective collaboration between different levels of neonatal care is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
• The study investigates the impact of inter-unit professional collaboration on neonatal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between cross-site working of healthcare teams and short-term neonatal outcomes.
• To compare outcomes before and after the implementation of a collaborative model between a level 1 and level 3 neonatal unit.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study design.
• Involved analysis of data from a level 1 neonatal unit in London between 2010 and 2021.
• Compared outcomes for infants before and after the introduction of cross-site working in 2014.

Main Results:

• Cross-site working was associated with a significant reduction in hypothermia (12.3% to 3.7%).
• Infants experienced shorter lengths of stay (median 4 days to 2 days) and earlier senior consultations (median 1 hour to 0.5 hours).
• Lower rates of preterm birth (below 32 weeks gestation) and lower Apgar scores were observed post-implementation.

Conclusions:

• Cross-site working between neonatal units significantly improved key short-term neonatal outcomes.
• The collaborative model enhanced patient care by reducing hypothermia and improving efficiency.
• This approach demonstrates the benefits of integrated healthcare professional teams across different neonatal care levels.