Bridging the cradle-to-operating room gap: a structured collaborative model for critically ill neonatal surgical patients

Background Critically ill neonates requiring surgical intervention represent a highly vulnerable population in whom outcomes depend on effective multidisciplinary coordination across the perioperative continuum. Methods A structured narrative review with elements of systematic methodology was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2010 to March 2025. Search strategies combined predefined keywords related to neonatal surgery, interdisciplinary teamwork, and perioperative care. Dual independent screening was performed, and findings were synthesized qualitatively due to heterogeneity. An updated literature search was performed in March 2025 to identify newly published studies relevant to neonatal perioperative multidisciplinary collaboration. Results Key barriers identified include protocol variability, communication failures, hierarchical structures, professional silos, and a translational gap in team training. Evidence linking interventions to patient-centered outcomes remains limited and largely observational. Conclusion We propose the CRADLE–OR model, an expert-informed, evidence-synthesized conceptual framework designed to operationalize multidisciplinary collaboration. This model, together with a structured perioperative pathway, offers a practical, implementation-oriented framework for quality improvement initiatives in neonatal surgical care, pending prospective validation.