A STUDY ON STATUS OF NEONATAL TRANSPORT TO A LEVEL III NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION In the past decade great advancements in Neonatal care contributed to a fall in IMR. A further fall in IMR can only be achieved by improving the  Neonatal Transport Facilities. Hence to assess the current status of Neonatal Transport we undertook this study. STUDY DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study of 75 neonates  transported to our NICU. For all the babies data regarding place of birth, mode of delivery and mode of transport were collected. On admission parameters like blood glucose,  temperature, CRT, SPO2, presence of cyanosis and shock were assessed. RESULTS In the present study 64 of         neonates came to our NICU on their own conveyance. 67 of referrals from PHCs did not utilise ambulance facility. 30 of neonates had hypothermia on arrival. 35 had hypoglycemia on arrival. 15 had a low oxygen saturation on arrival. 15 had           prolonged CRT on arrival. Only 8 of neonates received prior  treatment. 11 babies did not have any referral slip. Only a very few had complete and proper referral advice. CONCLUSION To further reduce the neonatal mortality rate, the neonatal transport facilities should be upgraded. A  standard protocol should be formulated for inter facility transport. A separate fleet of neonatal ambulances that are well equipped and manned by trained personnel is the need of the hour.