Recommendations to improve healthcare of neonates with respiratory insufficiency beneficiaries of Seguro Popular.

Objective: To evaluate the structure and processes of care of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) providing health care to neonates with respiratory insufficiency, and financed by Seguro Popular.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional design was used; 21 NICU were included. Information was collected from four sources: Seguro Popular database, self-applicable interviews to medical staff, structure and processes format, and reviews of clinical charts.

Variables: structure, processes of care, drug supplies, training, and neonates' clinical conditions.

Results: The analysis of the database included 9 679 newborns. The respiratory disorders were transitory tachypnea, non-specific respiratory insufficiency, respiratory distress syndrome, (RDS) perinatal asphyxia, and meconium aspiration syndrome. 90% of NICU'S directors considered that drug supply was good, whereas only 16% of neonatologist had this opinion. 58.5% of neonates with RDS had <37 gestation weeks. 34.2% with RDS were prescribed alveolar surfactant; 51% received dosages above recommended standards.

Conclusions: Recommendations to improve infrastructure and care processes are issued.