MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Local availability of neonatal intensive care at rural hospitals with childbirth services

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2025

ISSN: 1476-5543

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-025-02518-4

PMID: 41286423

Abstract: To compare hospital- and county-level characteristics of rural US hospitals based on distance to the nearest neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Cross-sectional analysis using data from a survey conducted March-August 2021 with administrators and maternity unit managers at rural hospitals with childbirth services (N = 89). Few hospitals had a locally available NICU (onsite: n = 5, 5.6%; <10 miles: n = 0; 10–29 miles away: n = 5, 5.6%). Most were located ≥30 miles away from the nearest NICU (30–60 miles: n = 29, 32.6%; >60 miles: n = 50, 56.2%). All Critical Access Hospitals and hospitals in noncore (less populated) counties were ≥30 miles from NICUs. Hospitals further from NICUs more often had smaller birth volumes, higher proportions of Medicaid-paid births, fewer beds, and higher county-level proportions of lower income or unemployed residents. Most surveyed rural hospitals did not have locally available NICUs, and characteristics of those that did suggest more hospital and community resources.

Url: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-025-02518-4

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Sheffield, Emily C.; Busse, Clara E.; Interrante, Julia D.; Handley, Sara C.; Kozhimannil, Katy Backes

Periodical (Full): Journal of Perinatology 2025

Issue:

Volume:

Pages: 1-7

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop