Learning Objective #1: Identify two ways nurses may contribute to evidence-based practice through participating in a database system for transported patients

Learning Objective #2: Discuss the use of a database as a tool to monitor health outcomes of patients being transported from one facility to another

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Health care provided during the window of time after a critically ill infant is born at a community hospital and prior to the infant's arrival at a regional center contributes to the infant's eventual health outcomes. The purpose of this presentation is to present a unique way of collecting, storing and analyzing data associated with the transport process using the Neonatal Transport and Triage (NTT) database system. The NTT database was developed as a quality assurance and research tool, to capture data pertaining to care practices, educational outcomes and infant outcomes. A standardized educational program, S.T.A.B.L.E., is used as an organizing framework for the database (Karlsen, 2001). The S.T.A.B.L.E. mnemonic stands for Sugar, Thermoregulation, Blood Pressure, Lab Work and Emotional Support. These parameters represent critical aspects of care of the neonate during transport.

Data collection for the NTT database is accomplished by nursing staff as part of the usual documentation process. Nurses may use either a conventional written flow sheet, or portable computer technology such as a hand-held device. Data may be analyzed for the entire aggregate, by region, or for individual hospitals. The NTT database serves three main purposes. The first purpose is to provide evidence for quality assurance processes for infant health care. Adherence to care practices may be validated, infant health measures such as blood glucose and temperature may be monitored, and staff educational needs documented. The second purpose is to enable systematic research on topics related to neonatal transport through development of a standardized data set. The third purpose of the database is to track staff education and certification in the S.T.A.B.L.E. system. The NTT database represents an efficient and practical way to link education, quality assurance and research related to neonatal transport.

Karlsen, K. (2001). The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program Instructor Manual. Park City: Utah.