In the dynamic and high-stakes arena of neonatal healthcare, ensuring seamless and effective transport of newborns requiring specialized medical attention has long posed critical challenges. A groundbreaking systematic literature review published in the Journal of Perinatology in November 2025 sheds new light on the complexity and diversity of data variables reported during neonatal transport. This research not only highlights the disparate methodologies employed globally but also underscores the urgent need for standardized reporting protocols to optimize clinical outcomes in these vulnerable patients.
Neonatal transport, the process of moving critically ill newborns from birth facilities to specialized neonatal intensive care units, hinges heavily on the accurate and timely collection of vital data. The study meticulously analyzed a wide array of research articles, illuminating the extensive range of physiological, environmental, and intervention-related variables documented during such transports. These variables include, but are not limited to, vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure, alongside environmental factors like temperature and duration of transfer.
Central to the study is the revelation that while certain core physiological parameters are consistently monitored, the heterogeneity in reporting standards across different institutions and countries creates substantial obstacles in forming a unified clinical picture. This variability hampers efforts to benchmark transport quality and assess the impact of specific interventions on neonatal outcomes, thwarting attempts at large-scale data aggregation critical for evidence-based advancements.
Moreover, the review illuminates the paucity of data concerning neuroprotective measures during transport, an area of increasing prominence given the susceptibility of the neonatal brain to hypoxic and ischemic insults. Variables related to sedation, analgesia, and thermal regulation were inconsistently documented, signifying a glaring gap in understanding the fine balance required to safeguard neurological integrity during these critical transitions.
Equally striking is the study’s identification of the lack of standardized technological tools and monitoring devices employed during transport. Variations in equipment sensitivity and calibration, as well as differences in data recording intervals, contribute to inconsistent data quality. These inconsistencies complicate comparisons across studies and limit the potential for meta-analyses, thus impeding the establishment of universally applicable clinical guidelines.
The research further draws attention to the underreporting of environmental and logistical factors impacting neonatal transport, such as mode of transport (ambulance, helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft), travel distance, and ambient conditions. Each of these elements plays a pivotal role in the neonate’s physiological stability and requires precise documentation to inform protocol refinements tailored to diverse transport scenarios.
Another critical dimension dissected in the review pertains to communication and data transmission modalities used during neonatal transfers. The integration of real-time monitoring with telemedicine platforms remains sporadic and uneven, despite its immense potential in facilitating prompt clinical decision-making and enhancing transport team preparedness. The study calls for a heightened focus on leveraging digital innovations to bridge this gap, fostering a more cohesive and responsive transport environment.
The literature surveyed also reveals considerable variation in the qualifications and training of transport personnel, which indirectly influences the accuracy and scope of data collected. This human factor introduces another layer of complexity, emphasizing the necessity for standardized training frameworks to underpin reliable data acquisition during neonatal transports.
Furthermore, the systematic review advocates for the creation of a centralized neonatal transport database, which would aggregate standardized data variables internationally, fostering collaborative research and enabling more robust risk stratification models. The potential impact of such a repository extends beyond academic inquiry, promising tangible improvements in clinical protocols and resource allocation.
Delving into the nuances of intervention documentation, the study points to inconsistency in reporting critical clinical procedures such as intubation, vascular access, and pharmacological treatments during transport. Comprehensive characterization of these interventions is vital to assess their efficacy and safety within the transport context, yet current literature falls short in providing detailed and standardized accounts.
The review also synthesizes findings regarding the temporal dynamics of data collection, highlighting that continuous monitoring is preferable to intermittent measurements, yet remains infeasible in many settings due to resource constraints. This limitation underscores the importance of technological innovations aimed at miniaturizing and simplifying monitoring equipment suitable for the transport environment.
Additionally, the authors emphasize the significance of post-transport outcome tracking linked with transport data variables, as this integration is crucial to understand the direct implications of transport conditions on neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, such longitudinal connections are rarely reported, presenting a blind spot in the continuity of care research.
Importantly, the study refrains from merely cataloging existing data variables but also provides a forward-looking perspective advocating for the development of consensus-driven reporting frameworks. Through multidisciplinary collaboration encompassing neonatologists, transport teams, biomedical engineers, and data scientists, it envisions a future where transport data not only serve immediate clinical needs but also feed into predictive analytics and personalized neonatal care.
The implications of this work resonate deeply in the context of rising global neonatal morbidity profiles and escalating healthcare demands. By illuminating existing knowledge gaps and inefficiencies in neonatal transport data reporting, the study catalyzes a paradigm shift towards meticulous data stewardship, which is foundational for advancing neonatal survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes worldwide.
In summary, this thorough literature review pivotal for the neonatal community distinguishes itself by its expansive scope and methodical scrutiny of transport data variables. It articulates an urgent call to action for harmonized data frameworks and underscores the transformative potential of technology and teamwork in elevating neonatal transport standards. As healthcare systems grapple with the intricate challenges of neonatal critical care, this research stands out as a beacon guiding the path toward safer, more efficient, and ultimately more successful neonatal transport practices.
Subject of Research: Neonatal transport data variables and reporting practices.
Article Title: Data variables reported during neonatal transport: a systematic literature review.
Article References: Bekkevold, M., Solvik-Olsen, T., Lang, A.M. et al. Data variables reported during neonatal transport: a systematic literature review. J Perinatol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-025-02483-y
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 05 November 2025
