Future Direction of Quality Improvement of Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Short Narrative Review
Reham Helmy Amin Saad1*, Maryam Abdulrahman Alsada2
1Specialist neonatologist, Dubai Hospital, Dubai health, UAE.
2Specialist pediatrician, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai health, UAE.
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Reham Helmy Amin Saad, Specialist neonatologist, Dubai Hospital, Dubai health, UAE.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAPD.2025.04.016
Received: August 01, 2025
Published: August 22, 2025
Citation: Saad RHA, Alsada MA. Future Direction of Quality Improvement of Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Short Narrative Review. SVOA Paediatrics 2025, 4:4, 100-108. doi: 10.58624SVOAPD.2025.04.016
Abstract
Background: Quality improvement (QI) methods have the potential to improve outcomes and care processes for hospitalized patients. In the neonatal ICU (NICU), unit-based QI projects have resulted in lower rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, hospital-acquired infection, hypothermia on admission, delivery room intubations, and increased the use of mother’s own milk at discharge.
Methods: This rapid improvement in the outcomes brought care quality in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to the surface. Quality improvement (QI) involves safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient centered care. In this review, we discuss the neonatal mortality worldwide, described the methods of QI with examples of NICU QI topics. Each NICU can voluntarily develop a QI project, but systematic support is essential.
Conclusion: The future direction of Quality Improvement (QI) in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, data analytics, patient-centered care models, and a growing focus on health equity and safety. Here are the key emerging trends and future directions.
Keywords: Quality Improvement, Future Direction of QI, Neonatal ICU, Neonatal Outcomes