Abstract
Transport of high risk mothers and infants has been shown to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, lack of information regarding availability of neonatal facilities at any center often causes excessive time delay before instituting a patient transfer. To address this communication problem we have designed a computer-based system which collects and disseminates referral information throughout a statewide network of ten perinatal centers. The system consists of a centrally-based microcomputer and auto-dial modem which interfaces through public telephone lines to a computer terminal (CRT) located in each center. At each center, the ability to accept maternal and neonatal transfers is assessed by the obstetrical and pediatric staff and entered into the CRT. Referral mechanisms and phone numbers as well as specific information regarding available facilities at each center are also displayed on the CRT. Every two hours the central computer sequentially interrogates each CRT and updates the entire system. Data regarding every center are continuously displayed on each CRT throughout the network. This system has the following advantages over manual systems: 1) information is always current; 2) complete data is available at each perinatal center throughout the state; 3) practitioner referral patterns are not affected; 4) reduced cost; and 5) automatic data compilation for long-term regional planning.
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Lawson, E., Bostick, J., Hsiao, H. et al. 69 NORTH CAROLINA PERINATAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO INTERNURSERY COMMUNICATIONS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 451 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00078
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00078