Modelling neonatal care pathways: investigating length of stay for preterm infants

An overall estimate of total length of stay does not fully describe the complex journey, involving different treatments and care, that a preterm infant experiences during its time in hospital. This article presents preliminary results using a statistical approach to account for the levels of care, and the competing outcomes of death or discharge from neonatal care. Detailed information about length of stay in neonatal care is important for counselling families and could be used to aid calculating the true cost of neonatal care, informing neonatal service provision, commissioning and funding.