National Survey of Neonatal Transport Services in Oman: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims: To assess the organisation, logistics and quality of neonatal transport services in Oman. Methods: A validated online survey was distributed to 96 healthcare institutions providing maternity and pediatric services across all 11 Omani governorates, including primary health centers, extended polyclinics and secondary and tertiary hospitals. The survey assessed team composition, equipment availability and reported outcomes. Results: The response rate was 64.6%, with most responses from Dhofar and South Sharqiyah governorates. Over 80% of institutions lacked a designated neonatal transport leader. Team composition varied, but 83.9% included both a physician and a nurse. Major resource gaps were identified: 61.3% of institutions lacked specialised neonatal transport vehicles, 62.9% lacked transport incubators and 61.3% lacked transport ventilators. While 83% reported no transport-related mortality, institutional self-reported transport-related deaths were attributed to equipment shortages (50%), untrained staff (25%) and equipment malfunction (12.3%). Conclusion: Based on this institutional self-report and compared with established systems in high-income countries, Oman’s neonatal transport services show significant deficiencies in staffing, equipment and standardised protocols. A coordinated national strategy is urgently needed to strengthen neonatal transport through the establishment of dedicated teams, implementation of evidence-based guidelines and investment in essential equipment to improve outcomes and reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.