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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2551-5143
Original Article

Leadership Challenges in Neonatal Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kanekal Suresh Gautham 
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida
,
Lakshmi Katakam
2   Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
,
Jens Eickhoff
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Ryan McAdams
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to identify key challenges, barriers, personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and lessons learned by neonatal health care leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, because they are not well documented.

Study Design

Voluntary, anonymous, online survey of leaders in perinatal care systems.

Results

A total of 154 leaders responded. The exact number of survey recipients could not be enumerated because the survey was sent via email distribution lists (listservs). The key challenges reported included managing patient and family-centered care, staffing shortages, education and training, resource allocation, communication, support systems, and maintaining trust in a time of uncertainty. Common self-care techniques included exercise, sleep, meditation, social support, and taking time off. Respondents highlighted lessons such as the critical importance of effective communication, flexibility, teamwork, resilience, and the prioritization of self-care for sustainable leadership.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the need for structured crisis management strategies and proactive support systems to strengthen resilience in neonatal health care leaders, enhancing preparedness for future systemic crises.

Key Points

  • Leaders in perinatal care faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Key challenges were managing patient/family-centered care, staffing shortages, communication, and trust.

  • Structured crisis management strategies and proactive support systems for resilience are required.

Keywords

leadership - COVID-19 - pandemic - neonate

Authors' Contributions

K.S.G. had full access to all of the data in the study and took responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. He contributed to the conception and design of the study, the data analysis, and the data interpretation, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. L.K. contributed to the conception and design of the study, the data interpretation, and the manuscript drafting. J.E. contributed to the data interpretation and manuscript preparation. R.M. contributed to the conception and design of the study, the data acquisition, the data interpretation, and the revision of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.




Publication History

Received: 24 October 2024

Accepted: 05 March 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
06 March 2025

Article published online:
29 March 2025

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