Affiliations: [a] Department of Biomedical Engineering / Federal University of São João del-Rey Campus Dom Bosco, São João del Rey-MG CEP 36300-000, Brazil | [b] Biomedical Engineering Program-COPPE / Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, PO Box 68510, Rio de Janeiro RJ CEP 21945-970, Brazil | [c] Division of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
Abstract: The utilization of 12 neonatal intensive care technologies was recorded in 193 patients. An index of utilization (Pu) was adopted to classify these technologies into three sub-groups corresponding to low (Pu < 15%), medium (15% ⩽ Pu ⩽ 85%), and high (Pu > 85%) intensity of use. No models were developed for technologies with high intensity of use (intravenous hydration, warming, micro-haematocrit, heart rate monitoring). Multiple linear regression was used to predict the utilization of technologies with medium intensity of use (gasometry, oxygen hood, CPAP, mechanical ventilation), and multiple logistic regression was used with the same purpose for technologies with low intensity of use (exchange transfusion, bicarbonate, adrenaline, echocardiography). Both methods yielded significant models (P<0.05) which can be used to improve planning and management of technology in neonatal intensive care units.
