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Am J Perinatol 1987; 4(4): 339-347
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999804
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1987 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Neonatal Intensive Care

What Can the Literature Tell Us?Ronald J. Ozminkowski1 , Paul M. Wortman2 , Dietrich W. Roloff3
  • 1Program in Health Services Organization and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2Department of Health Services Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 3Departments of Pediatrics and Newborn Services, Medical Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This article reviews the characteristics of 69 clinical research studies of the effectiveness of neonatal intensive care (NIC). Emphasis is on the availability of important information in the studies, and on their scientific quality. The analysis suggests that these studies cannot answer several of the most important questions about the usefulness of NIC, because of poor study design or implementation. Guidelines for assessing the usefulness of existing studies and suggestions for future research are provided.