Effective transitions of care are vital, particularly for children who have spent months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Maureen A. Madden, DNP, RN, CPNP-AC, CCRN, FCCM, speaks with Philip D. Cohen, MD, MSc, about his article, “Non-Emergent Neonatal ICU-to-PICU Transfers in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey of Neonatologists and Pediatric Intensivists,” published in the May 2026 issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.

Drawing on responses from neonatologists and pediatric intensivists across the United States, Dr. Cohen examines the challenges associated with transferring patients from the NICU to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for ongoing care. Although these transfers occur infrequently, with a median of only five to six non-emergent transfers annually per institution, they often involve children with prolonged hospitalizations, significant medical complexity, and deeply established relationships with NICU care teams.

Survey findings suggest broad agreement among neonatologists and pediatric intensivists that standardized protocols are needed and that structured approaches improve the effectiveness of transfers. Key themes include multidisciplinary handoffs, earlier identification of transfer candidates, family-centered communication, and greater collaboration between NICU and PICU teams before and after transfer.

Dr. Cohen also explores opportunities for implementation science to advance this work, emphasizing the importance of incorporating perspectives from parents and caregivers, nurses, and advanced practice providers. This discussion will educate and inspire pediatric critical care teams seeking to improve continuity of care through adaptable, evidence-informed frameworks.

Resources referenced in this episode:

Cohen PD, Boss RD, McKinney RL, Kudchadkar SR. Non-Emergent Neonatal ICU-to-PICU Transfers in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey of Neonatologists and Pediatric Intensivists. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2026;27(5):568-574.

Cohen PD, Boss RD, Stockwell DC, et al. Perspectives on non-emergent neonatal intensive care unit to pediatric intensive care unit care transfers in the United States. World J Crit Care Med. 2024;13(4):97145.

SCCMPod-575 PCCM: Bridging Care Between the NICU and PICU

SCCM Podcast

SCCMPod-575 PCCM: Bridging Care Between the NICU and PICU