A Minicomputer-Based Perinatal/Neonatal Telecommunications Network

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Abstract
A minicomputer-based telecommunications network was developed to link all of the state''s 9 tertiary neonatal intensive care units to provide information on the availability of neonatal and maternal beds. The information is updated automatically on computer terminals located in each neonatal intensive care unit every 2 h by a complete system poll (350 polls/mo.). This information was accurate 95% of the time. Through a computer simulation, this network was shown to provide a significant reduction (P < 0.0005) in the number of referral telephone calls (and thus the time) required to locate a bed within the state for obstetric or pediatric patients needing transfer. This network provided a data base to aid in local, regional and statewide planning for perinatal facilities. A 6-mo. summary of the data indicated that for 16% of the system polls, < 2 neonatal intensive care units could accept outside referrals, demonstrating frequently severe statewide restrictions for care of high-risk patients. The total operating budget for the most recent fiscal year was less than that of manual 24-h central telephone operator systems providing similar services. This telecommunications network is a cost-effective answer to the common problem of limited regional perinatal resources.

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