Clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with neonatal transports in Switzerland: a retrospective single-centre cohort study

Our study illustrates potential risk factors for morbidity and mortality in neonates requiring transport from the birth facility to a specialised neonatal care centre. The relevance of the primary diagnosis should influence logistical transport decision-making in the future. In particular, children with neurological diseases require special attention. As ground transport showed a worse outcome than air transport, the helicopter service might be considered more frequently. Transport times seem to be of less importance in regions with short transport distances, but optimising dispatch and call to arrival times would probably improve transport efficiency.