Study Suggests That Closing Smaller NICUs Could Save More Preemie's Lives
Thousands of sickly newborns could be saved each year if some of the nation's smaller neonatal intensive care units were closed, according to a study that suggests larger hospitals can better treat them.
Extremely premature babies were up to twice as likely to survive when treated at a busy, advanced-care center. Even among the most advanced centers, those that handled the most babies had the best survival records, said Ciaran Phibbs, lead author of the study in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.
"Size really matters," said Phibbs, a Stanford University health economist.
Earlier studies had found conflicting results when reviewing the relationship between neonatal deaths and number of infants treated by a hospital.
The study reviewed nearly 48,000 premature births and fetal deaths in California from 1991 through 2000, using birth and death certificates and hospital records.
California's top neonatal intensive care units, which offer the full range of neonatal care and surgery, had the best survival rates. Those that treated more than 100 premature babies each year had the lowest death rate, about 18 percent, compared with 20 percent in similar facilities that treated 50 to 100 infants annually.
The trend continued in less comprehensive neonatal units. The lower the level of care and the fewer the babies, the higher the death rate. The effect was seen across race and size differences in the infants studied, and in both genders.
Researchers estimated that consolidating ICUs could prevent 21 percent of deaths among especially smaller infants.
Why the difference? Hospitals with busy neonatal units also have advanced obstetrics care, including services to handle emergencies, Phibbs said. They also have more practice.
Debby Rogers, vice president of quality and emergency services for the California Hospital Association, said closing NICUs carries risk. Some rural areas have limited access to advanced medical services, and it's better for them to have limited NICU care than no such care at all, she said.
I'm on the fence on this one...We had the opportunity to experience both NICUs. One that was a level 3/4 and one that was advanced level 2.
The care our son received at the 3/4 NICU was outstanding and the ladies there were highly trained to look after the very small and sick babies.
The smaller, lower level NICU is needed as a transition step for parents who are preparing to bring their baby home. Those nurses have an high expertise in different issues.
Comments
Our boys were at the same NICU, yet got VERY different care. You were happy with the care and I was not. I could name PLENTY of nurses who should NOT be working in the NICU. Nurses who I knew more than. I can guarantee that if there were a few days that I was not there than Ashton would not be here today.
I feel that if the stats show that more babies would survive it is worth trying.