Neonatal transport: parental needs and potential for improvement - a single-center cross-sectional study

Neonates with medical problems need transfer from the place of birth to a neonatal (intensive care) unit after birth by a specialized neonatal transport team. Neonatal transport is accompanied by a high emotional burden for the families due to spatial separation, uncertainty and care for the neonate. This survey of parents' needs was a quality control project of the neonatal transport team of the University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. The aim was to identify areas for improvement of family-centred care and to derive concrete suggestions for adjustments in the transport process.

This single-center prospective cross-sectional study included parents of neonates transported between January 2021 and February 2022. Based on a literature review, an anonymous questionnaire was developed (mini-Delphi method) and conducted using an online survey tool. The survey results were analyzed descriptively.

The response rate was 77% (168/217). The majority of parents agreed with the current procedures for neonatal transports and experienced the transport team as professional. There were no (emotional) support measures applied by the transport team which were not approved by the parents. Some parents suggested the following additions: the possibility of parental accompaniment during transport, contact by telephone on arrival at the destination hospital, and an improvement in the transmission of medical information, both prenatally and in the context of transport.

There is potential for improvement in meeting parental needs during neonatal transport. Some parental suggestions can be implemented easily and cost-effectively. The importance of professional communication and situationally adapted information for parents was confirmed.