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The following is a summary of “Perception of safety regarding the transfer of infants from the neonatal intensive care unit to a level II neonatology department: a mixed-method cohort study using a Safety-II approach,” published in the March 2025 issue of BMC Pediatrics by Bijl-Marcus et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine the perceived safety of transferring infants from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to a level II department. The study aimed to identify stakeholder views on safety and the factors influencing high perceived safety. 

They administered surveys to parents and care professionals, including NICU staff, level II department staff, and ambulance personnel. The surveys included both quantitative and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, incorporating Safety-I and Safety-II perspectives to assess perceived safety and identify facilitators and barriers. 

The results showed that 46 transfers were evaluated by 239 stakeholders. The overall perception of safety was positive across all stakeholder groups. No significant differences in perceived safety were found between parents and care professionals, but perceptions varied across transfer phases. Qualitative analysis identified facilitators and barriers related to timing, parental participation, and information exchange. 

Investigators found consistently positive safety perceptions among parents and care professionals. Effective communication, parental participation, and optimal timing were identified as crucial for enhancing safety perceptions during transfers. 

Source: bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-025-05537-4