Impact of the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage on Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The 2022 infant formula shortage presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) faced unique difficulties due to the critical nutritional needs of their patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the 2022 infant formula shortage on NICUs in the United States.
• To gather insights from NICU medical directors regarding their experiences and coping strategies.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Online surveys distributed to NICU medical directors across academic and community settings.
• Statistical analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative responses.

Main Results:

• 39% of responding NICU medical directors reported significant impacts from the infant formula shortage.
• Identified themes included: alterations to discharge planning, policy modifications, suboptimal solutions, and extraordinary measures.
• The shortage had a significant impact on NICUs with potential lasting effects.

Conclusions:

• NICUs experienced substantial disruption due to the infant formula shortage.
• The findings provide a basis for developing strategies to mitigate future shortages.
• Recommendations are proposed to minimize the effects of future infant formula supply disruptions.