Association of unit size, resource utilization and occupancy with outcomes of preterm infants

J Perinatol. 2015 Jul;35(7):522-9. doi: 10.1038/jp.2015.4. Epub 2015 Feb 12.

Abstract

Objective: Assess association of NICU size, and occupancy rate and resource utilization at admission with neonatal outcome.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study of 9978 infants born at 23-32 weeks gestation and admitted to 23 tertiary-level Canadian NICUs during 2010-2012. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were estimated for a composite outcome of mortality/any major morbidity with respect to NICU size, occupancy rate and intensity of resource utilization at admission.

Results: A total of 2889 (29%) infants developed the composite outcome, the odds of which were higher for 16-29, 30-36 and >36-bed NICUs compared with <16-bed NICUs (AOR (95% CI): 1.47 (1.25-1.73); 1.49 (1.25-1.78); 1.55 (1.29-1.87), respectively) and for NICUs with higher resource utilization at admission (AOR: 1.30 (1.08-1.56), Q4 vs Q1) but not different according to NICU occupancy.

Conclusion: Larger NICUs and more intense resource utilization at admission are associated with higher odds of a composite adverse outcome in very preterm infants.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bed Occupancy*
  • Canada
  • Female
  • Health Resources / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospital Bed Capacity*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Mortality
  • Infant, Extremely Premature
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / mortality
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / statistics & numerical data*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Patient Admission
  • Retrospective Studies