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Transporting the Incubator: Effects Upon a Region of the Adoption of Guidelines for High-Risk Maternal Transport

Journal of Perinatology volume 21, pages 300–306 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To inventory maternal transport practices and develop regional transport guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN: A survey was administered to perinatal nursing directors of nine community hospitals in a rural region of Virginia. Items included personnel, training, equipment, vehicle, communication, and protocols. Following the survey, regional guidelines were developed using a collaborative process. Their use was promoted in the region. A post-intervention survey documented changes in transport practices.

RESULTS: The pre-intervention survey showed wide variability in training and number of personnel and in availability of emergency equipment. Communication was via radio to a dispatcher. No hospital had standing orders or protocols for transport.

Guidelines were developed, which included recommendations for personnel, equipment, vehicle, communication methods, and care protocols. Eight of nine hospitals endorsed the guidelines. A follow-up survey revealed practice changes for standing orders/protocols, communication, and equipment.

CONCLUSION: Regionwide practice changes can be successfully implemented. Guidelines may be helpful for other regions using primarily one-way maternal transports.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

    Mary E Gibson MSN, RN

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

    Carey F Bailey MSN, RNC

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

    James E Ferguson II MD

Authors
  1. Mary E Gibson MSN, RN
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  2. Carey F Bailey MSN, RNC
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  3. James E Ferguson II MD
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Gibson, M., Bailey, C. & Ferguson, J. Transporting the Incubator: Effects Upon a Region of the Adoption of Guidelines for High-Risk Maternal Transport. J Perinatol 21, 300–306 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7210533

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