Work

Sustained improvement in caregiver-reported infant demographic collection: a pilot towards equitable outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infant mortality disparities, with prematurity among the leading causes of death, make it critical for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to assess internal demographic and outcomes data. Assessment of a delivery hospital NICU within a large children's hospital system revealed "Unavailable" infant race among the top demographic categories. OBJECTIVE: To decrease the rate of "Unavailable" infant race in the electronic health record by 10% in a level III NICU by December 2023 and sustain for 1-year. DESIGN/METHODS: We developed a multidisciplinary team, completed Gemba walks, conducted Plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles, and analyzed outcomes in process control charts. RESULTS: "Unavailable" infant race decreased from 97% to 49% and was sustained. Modifying hospital registration processes, updating caregiver questionnaires, engaging and educating staff contributed to success and sustainment. CONCLUSIONS: We reduced "Unavailable" data by 48% with 6-months sustainment prior to project expansion. Emulating this process can improve demographic data accuracy nationally.

Source: Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-026-02676-z

Authors: Megan Barcroft, Bret Davis, Roopali Bapat, Tara Cosgrove, Stephanie Napolitano

Institution: Nationwide Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Medical Coding and Health Information

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790