Evaluation of the telemedical health care network "SAFE BIRTH" for pregnant women at risk, premature and sick newborns and their families: study protocol of a cluster-randomized controlled stepped-wedge trial.

Background: The Perinatal Center of the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden has initiated the telemedical healthcare network "SAFE BIRTH" to coordinate and improve specialized care in non-metropolitan regions for pregnant women and newborns. The network incorporates five intervention bundles (IB): (1) Multi-professional, inter-disciplinary prenatal care plan; (2) Neonatal resuscitation; (3) Neonatal antibiotic stewardship; (4) Inter-facility transfer of premature and sick newborns; (5) Psycho-social support for parents. We evaluate if the network improves care close to home for pregnant women, premature and sick newborns.