Determining space requirements for small and sick newborns and their mothers in health facilities: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are currently no World Health Organization and United Nations Children Fund benchmarks or 'norms' for scaling up small and sick newborn (SSN) service delivery in health facilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Specifically, there is limited evidence on optimal bed space requirements in SSN units such as special care nurseries and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Through this systematic review, we aimed to gather evidence on the optimal space requirements needed for SSNs and their mothers in health facilities, particularly at level 2 district hospitals.

Methods

We included simulation, experimental, and observational studies, as well as guidelines and formal expert opinion processes that described the optimal bed space for SSN units within

SUBMITTER: Strobel N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12532444 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature