Exploring the impact of non-emergency inter-hospital neonatal transport on infants and their parents: a mixed-methods systematic review
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- 2Department of Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- 3Care4Neo, Neonatal Patient and Parent Advocacy Organisation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Abstract
Background: Reliance on inter-hospital neonatal transport is increasing due to regionalisation, centralisation and capacity pressures within neonatal care. Although the effects of transporting critically ill infants are well documented, the impact of non-emergency transfers involving stable infants remains underexplored. The objective of this review was to examine the current literature on how non-emergency inter-hospital transfers affect infants and their parents.
Methods: For this review, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were searched for articles that studied neonatal non-emergency transport and its impact on infants’ health or their parents’ well-being. Articles were screened independently by at least two authors; relevant articles were selected through unanimous vote or by consensus reached through team meetings.
Results: Of the 2811 articles screened, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. 10 studies focused on infant health outcomes, and 13 studies on parental well-being outcomes. Some studies report physiological deterioration following non-emergency inter-hospital transport, particularly when the duration of transport is longer. Available long-term data do not show increased morbidity or mortality among infants who undergo non-emergency transport. Qualitative and quantitative studies reported parental stress and anxiety during transport; however, timely communication, thorough preparation, ongoing reassurance and support for active parental involvement may contribute to more positive experiences.
Conclusion: Although this review is limited by substantial heterogeneity in outcome reporting, predominantly unadjusted analyses and findings that were frequently derived from single studies, the available evidence does not demonstrate consistent adverse effects of non-emergency neonatal transport. In contrast, negative parental experiences related to transport were frequently reported. Establishing the level of clinical stability required for safe non-emergency transport should be a priority, alongside implementing interventions that support parental well-being throughout the transport process.
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BibTeX
@article{derks2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring the impact of non-emergency inter-hospital neonatal transport on infants and their parents: a mixed-methods systematic review}},
author = {Lizanne A Derks and Myrthe L J Partouns and Margreet R Koolen-De Koninck and Anna J Apperloo and Sylvia A Obermann-Borst and Angela M Tjiam and H Rob Taal and Josephine H L Wagenaar},
journal = {BMJ Paediatrics Open},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004846},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004846},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring the impact of non-emergency inter-hospital neonatal transport on infants and their parents: a mixed-methods systematic review
AU - Lizanne A Derks
AU - Myrthe L J Partouns
AU - Margreet R Koolen-De Koninck
AU - Anna J Apperloo
AU - Sylvia A Obermann-Borst
AU - Angela M Tjiam
AU - H Rob Taal
AU - Josephine H L Wagenaar
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/28
JO - BMJ Paediatrics Open
DO - 10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004846
UR - https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004846
AB - Background: Reliance on inter-hospital neonatal transport is increasing due to regionalisation, centralisation and capacity pressures within neonatal care. Although the effects of transporting critically ill infants are well documented, the impact of non-emergency transfers involving stable infants remains underexplored. The objective of this review was to examine the current literature on how non-emergency inter-hospital transfers affect infants and their parents. Methods: For this review, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were searched for articles that studied neonatal non-emergency transport and its impact on infants’ health or their parents’ well-being. Articles were screened independently by at least two authors; relevant articles were selected through unanimous vote or by consensus reached through team meetings. Results: Of the 2811 articles screened, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. 10 studies focused on infant health outcomes, and 13 studies on parental well-being outcomes. Some studies report physiological deterioration following non-emergency inter-hospital transport, particularly when the duration of transport is longer. Available long-term data do not show increased morbidity or mortality among infants who undergo non-emergency transport. Qualitative and quantitative studies reported parental stress and anxiety during transport; however, timely communication, thorough preparation, ongoing reassurance and support for active parental involvement may contribute to more positive experiences. Conclusion: Although this review is limited by substantial heterogeneity in outcome reporting, predominantly unadjusted analyses and findings that were frequently derived from single studies, the available evidence does not demonstrate consistent adverse effects of non-emergency neonatal transport. In contrast, negative parental experiences related to transport were frequently reported. Establishing the level of clinical stability required for safe non-emergency transport should be a priority, alongside implementing interventions that support parental well-being throughout the transport process.
SN - 2399-9772
ER -