Abstract
BACKGROUND: Quality of neonatal transport services may impact outcomes. We assessed the effect of skill-based education of ambulance personnel (AP) on outcomes of transported neonates. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm intervention study (pre and post) over 18 months. We assessed the perceptions and practices of AP on neonatal transport along with ambulance equipment availability/usage. We compared neonatal clinical vital parameters at arrival and clinical outcomes from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) pre versus post intervention. We analysed data using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Of 77 AP receiving education, there was significant (p < 0.001) improvement in the perceptions/practices towards temperature regulation (44.55 ± 23.94 vs. 25.94 ± 21.36), glucose homeostasis (46.27 ± 18.83 vs. 18.60 ± 17.50), maintaining asepsis (67.05 ± 17.53 vs. 39.35 ± 16.85), supporting airway (47.73 ± 25.39), circulation (85.26 ± 23.27 vs. 48.45 ± 25.10), along with ambulance equipment availability/usage postintervention. Of 53 neonates studied post intervention, there was a significant reduction in hypothermia (17% vs. 48.4%, p < 0.001), hypoglycemia (16.9% vs. 38.7%, p=0.010), and prolonged capillary refill time (71.7% vs. 46.8%, p=0.042), improvement in the use of intravenous fluids (69.8% vs. 29%, p <0.001), a reduction in growth from umbilical swabs (15.1% vs. 42%, p=0.002) and duration of NICU stay (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After educational intervention there was significant improvement in the perceptions and practices of '108' ambulance personnel towards transporting neonates and a significant decrease in hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and duration of NICU stay with improvement in maintenance of circulation and asepsis in neonates.