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

The aim of this study was to examine effects of the 2022 infant formula shortage as experienced by neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States, a previously unreported perspective. A mixed-method approach was utilized. Data were collected using an online survey of NICU medical directors. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Student's t test. Thematic analysis was utilized to make sense of patterns within the qualitative data. Responses from 139 medical directors were received. Both academic (41.7%) and community (58.3%) NICUs were represented among respondents. Thirty-nine percent of NICU medical directors reported an impact on their unit by the infant formula shortage. Within the qualitative data four themes were revealed as follows: alterations to discharge planning, policy modifications, suboptimal solutions, and extraordinary measures. These themes may inform strategies for mitigation of future infant formula shortages. NICUs were significantly impacted by the infant formula shortage with likely lasting effects. From the reported experiences, clear recommendations have been formed to minimize effects of future infant formula shortages.