Context: Very preterm infants face high risks of mortality and long-term neuro-developmental impairment. Rates of mortality and morbidity vary by a factor greater than two between European regions. This project’s overriding aim is to improve these infants’ survival and long-term health and development by ensuring that available medical knowledge is translated into effective perinatal care.
Objectives: (1) Build an empirical knowledge base concerning how scientific evidence is translated into health service provision in maternity and neonatal units by measuring the use of key medical interventions in clinical settings, identifying the factors associated with adoption of evidence-based practices and providing updated information on the effectiveness of medical practices; (2) Assess decision-making and knowledge implementation processes within units and regions to identify catalysts for evidence-based practice; and (3) Propose intervention strategies to achieve behavioural change.
Study design: This project combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess the use of evidence-based medical interventions and determinants of use on the regional, unit and patient level in 19 European regions (≈550 units, ≈ 10,500 births). The project includes a population-based cohort study of very preterm infants with follow-up to 2 years of age, a survey of all maternity and neonatal units caring for these infants, semi-structured narrative interviews and focus groups in selected units and case studies on regional governance.
Impact: The project will produce empirical data about the uptake of medical interventions in European maternity and neonatal units and new knowledge about catalysts for the adoption of medical knowledge. Its results will provide a methodological and conceptual basis for future scientific work on the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The project enhances cooperation and excellence in Europe by bringing together national research initiatives.