Objective: To describe the current scope of neonatal inter-facility transports.
Study design: California databases were used to characterize infants transported in the first week after birth from 2009 to 2012.
Results: Transport of the 22 550 neonates was classified as emergent 9383 (41.6%), urgent 8844 (39.2%), scheduled 2082 (9.2%) and other 85 (0.4%). In addition, 2152 (9.5%) were initiated for delivery attendance. Most transports originated from hospitals without a neonatal intensive care unit (68%), with the majority transferred to regional centers (66%). Compared with those born and cared for at the birth hospital, the odds of being transported were higher if the patient's mother was Hispanic, <20 years old, or had a previous C-section. An Apgar score <3 at 10 min of age, cardiac compressions in the delivery room, or major birth defect were also risk factors for neonatal transport.
Conclusion: As many neonates receive transport within the first week after birth, there may be opportunities for quality improvement activities in this area.