The Physiological Impact Of Neonatal Air Transport - A Review Of The Literature

Abstract

IntroductionThis review aims to enhance our understanding around whether neonatal air transport has an adverse physiological impact on patients. MethodsA literature search included papers describing both ground and air transport. Eligible studies had to include patient outcome and/or response to the journey in such a way that the physiological impact of neonatal transport could be compared between the two groups. ResultsThe search produced 13 eligible studies. Six were prospective observational cohort studies, the remainder retrospective. When assessing outcome studies either used a physiological stability score, the rate and severity of IVH, the type and frequency of clinical interventions during the journey, or a specific clinical parameter. Three of the studies sought to understand the physiological impact of transport by investigating the variation in the physical forces experienced. ConclusionThe current published evidence does not suggest one mode of transport is preferable to another when considering patient stability and outcome. Neonatal fixed wing or helicopter transport has not been shown to be more physiologically challenging for the patient than road transport, even by teams who are regularly flying patients in the highest risk groups (extremely pre-term, in the first hours of life).