Effects of Long-distance Maternal or Neonatal Transport on Infant Families

Abstract

Background : A lack of neonatal intensive-care beds has resulted in increasing number of emergency maternal and neonatal patients being transported to distant hospitals. Methods : We sent questionnaires to 17 families (18 infants) experiencing long-distance maternal or neonatal transport to determine the effects of transport on families. Results : We obtained replies from 9 families (10 infants). Infant gestational age was 24-34 weeks and birth weight 552-1,478g. The distance from home to the hospital where infants were sent was 50-100 km for two infants and ?? 100 km for eight. During the distant hospital stay, six families found problems in daily life. Additional cost were ‹ 50,000 yen in one family, 50,000-100,000 yen in three, 100,000-200,000 yen in one, 200,000-500,000 yen in three (four infants), and ?? 1,000,000 yen in one. Conclusions : More neonatal intensive-care beds, a broader network of neonatal intensive-care units, and support are needed for the families of infants sent to distant hospitals.