Methodology and statistical analysis plan
The purpose of this document is to provide a detailed methodological overview of the data and measure development steps and analyses contained in the NNAP annual reports. It is not designed to relate specifically to any one report year but will be periodically updated annually to ensure that it is in line with the latest NNAP methodology.
Download NNAP methodology and statistical analysis plan
Outlier management policy
The NNAP manages outliers according to the NNAP Outlier management policy and in line with HQIP guidance for the detection and management of outliers in England, Scotland and Wales.
The performance indicators subject to outlier analysis are selected by the NNAP Methodology and Dataset Group and endorsed by the NNAP Project Board.
For the 2025 data year, the NNAP conducts outlier identification and management on the following measures at unit level:
- Does a baby born at less than 34 weeks’ gestational age have their cord clamped at or after one minute?
- Does a baby born at less than 34 weeks’ gestational age receive any of their own mother’s milk in the first two days of life?
- Does a baby born at less than 30 weeks gestational age receive medical follow-up at two years gestationally corrected age (18-30 months gestationally corrected age range of acceptable ages)?
- Does an admitted baby have one or more episodes of bloodstream infection, characterised by one or more positive blood cultures taken, after 72 hours of age?
- Does a baby born at less than 32 weeks’ gestational age have a complete intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) scan within 28 days of birth? (Missing data outlier)
The NNAP also conducts outlier analysis (identification only) on further metrics that are not subject to the outlier management process as outlined in the NNAP Outlier management policy.
The NNAP team will write to inform services who are identified as an outlier for these further metrics, with no requirement to respond or follow the outlier management process. It is hoped that these notifications will support services with local improvement activities.
Excellent and outstanding outliers will be identified only for selected measures.
Download NNAP outlier management policy for 2025 data
Trust quality account information
The NNAP is included in the NHS England Quality Accounts list, which is available from the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) website.
HQIP also publishes the National Clinical Audit and Enquiries Directory which should answer most questions relating to the NNAP.
All neonatal units in England, Wales and Scotland are eligible to participate in the NNAP. The audit expects 100% case ascertainment from participating units.
The table below summarises NNAP data collection periods and expected report publication dates.
| Data collection period | Expected annual report publication date |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 | October 2026 |
| 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026 | October 2027 |
See NNAP extended analysis on 2024 data report to find the list of participating units for the latest published year of results
Cause for Concern policy
This policy outlines the procedures for identifying and managing a "Cause for Concern" within the National Neonatal Audit Programme (NNAP), ensuring patient safety and quality care.