Thermoregulation During Neonatal Transport

Background: Thermoregulation is important during neonatal resuscitation to decrease morbidity and mortality. Thermoregulation can be a challenge especially for infants born outside tertiary care centers requiring transportation. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to improve thermoregulation for infants during neonatal transport through education, implementation of a standardized protocol, monitoring thermoregulation, and giving the transport team feedback monthly. Methods: A retroactive chart review was conducted to look at the temperatures of infants during transport into and out of the University of Utah hospital prior to the protocol. Temperatures where then compare during each phase of the protocol implementation. Results: Infants transported prior to the protocol where out of neutral thermal range during 34% of transports. By the end of the initiative, this number had decreased to 16% through education, a standardized protocol, and implementation of a goal for the team to increase the number of infants maintain in a neutral thermal range. Discussion: Thermoregulation was improved, even with less than ideal circumstances around the birth/transport during the course of the study. The biggest improvement in thermoregulation came during phase III when the team received a yearly goal tied to their performance review. This shows team buy in and motivation is key in implementing new protocols.