Table 4 Quality improvement outcomes

Safe (minimising risks and harm)

Mortality

–

8 studies—[36, 40, 43, 49, 50, 56,57,58]

4 studies—[38, 42, 53, 56]

5 studies—[35, 39, 44, 51, 60]

Patient weight gain

1 study—[45]

2 studies—[49, 53]

1 study—[52]

–

Patient infection rates

1 study—[55]

7 studies—[33, 34, 41, 46, 49, 51, 57]

1 study—[43]

–

Effect on retinopathy of prematurity

–

–

1 study—[53]

–

Sepsis rates

–

3 studies—[36, 43, 51]

5 studies—[40, 43, 49, 53, 58]

–

Rates of hypothermia

–

1 study—[40]

–

–

Patient lower respiratory tract disease

–

1 study—[33]

2 studies—[40, 53]

–

Severe illness (various)

2 studies—[40, 58]

1 study—[49]

4 studies—[40, 43, 49, 53]

–

Presence of hyperbilirubinaemia

–

–

1 study—[49]

–

Effect on breastfeeding practice

1 study—[54]

–

2 studies—[52, 55]

–

Maternal health

–

1 study—[35]

–

–

Stillbirth

–

1 study—[35]

Premature delivery rate

1 study—[55]

–

–

1 study—[42]

Effective (utilising evidence)

Appropriate oxygen use

–

–

–

1 study—[44]

Antibiotic usage

1 study—[44]

2 studies—[36, 43]

1 study—[55]

2 studies—[39, 51]

Adherence to national guidelines of care

4 studies—[33, 34, 47, 59]

–

–

2 studies—[39, 51]

Mechanical ventilator days

–

–

2 studies—[33, 41]

–

Central line duration

–

–

1 study—[41]

1 study—[46]

Efficient (avoiding waste)

Length of admission

1 study—[55]

4 studies—[36, 40, 48, 49]

2 studies—[38, 41]

3 studies—[44, 50, 52]

Hospital admission/readmission

1 study—[58]

3 studies—[38, 48, 52]

–

1 study—[49]

People-centred (accounting for preferences of service users)

Usage of Kangaroo Mother Care

1 study—[55]

–

–

1 study—[42]

Maternal satisfaction

1 study—[48]

–

–

1 study—[35]

Timely (reducing delays)

Waiting times

–

–

–

1 study—[59]