Neonatal Resuscitation Program Algorithm Research Articles

Improving Neonatal Resuscitation Knowledge in Advanced Providers Through Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project.

Advanced neonatal resuscitation events are high-risk, low-volume critical situations. Healthcare systems have placed emphasis on improving resuscitation skills for advanced providers based on evidence showing that it can directly impact patient outcomes. Neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) renewal is only required every 2 years. This gap and low usage of skills can result in lack of competency and expertise leading to an increased risk of poor patient outcomes. This project aimed to provide simulation education based on NRP curriculum for a large group of advanced providers at multiple level II, III, and IV neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and to improve confidence and knowledge in advanced resuscitation. A high-fidelity mannequin was used to simulate a reproducible, critical scenario that spanned the entire NRP algorithm. NRP knowledge and the effectiveness of simulation on confidence and knowledge in neonatal resuscitation were measured. The average knowledge score from the pretest to the posttest improved by 7%. Based on the simulation evaluation tool-modified (SET-M), debriefing was the most effective in improving confidence and knowledge. The neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) with the most years of clinical experience had the largest improvement in knowledge. With the most experienced NNPs providing majority of coverage in the Level II NICUs, a correlation may be drawn that the effect of simulations on NRP knowledge has a greater impact on these groups due to the low exposure of advanced resuscitation events at these sites. Debriefing stood out as the most critical component of simulation.

Improving Delivery of Positive Pressure Ventilation During Neonatal Resuscitation: A Quality Improvement Study

Background Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is one of the most crucial steps of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm. We observed multiple deviations from NRP algorithm during PPV delivery in our unit for which we planned a quality improvement (QI) initiative. The aim of this study was to improve PPV score (total score 14) from existing 20% (~3) to at least 60% (~8) during neonatal resuscitation in delivery room and maternity OT over a period of 48 weeks. Methods The study was conducted in 3 phases over a period of 48 weeks. The baseline and the sustenance phase were of 12 weeks and the intervention phase consisting of 4 PDSA cycles was of 24 weeks duration. Several change ideas were tested and implemented during these PDSA cycles including training sessions for effective PPV delivery, ensuring adequate number of personnel attending delivery and equipment check, specification of delivery team at the start of a shift, and involvement of obstetrics colleagues for better communication. The objective scoring of PPV (a total composite score of 14 over 7 domains) was taken as the process measure, while the proportion of deliveries with PPV score >60% (~8) and need for alternate airway were the outcome measures. We used statistical process control (SPC) Xbar mean chart and P charts for analyzing the data. Results The median score during the baseline phase was 20% (3/14) which improved to 71% (10/14) during the sustenance phase. The percentage of deliveries having a score of at least 60% (8/14) also improved significantly from the baseline to the sustenance phase; there was, however, no change in the need for alternate airway. Conclusion This QI study successfully improved the PPV delivery practices. Similar studies involving multiple centers and including other steps of NRP algorithm should be undertaken for the overall betterment of neonatal care and outcomes. What Is Known NRP is an evidence-based approach for neonatal resuscitation; however, evidence suggests that the quality and sequence of events during neonatal resuscitation significantly deviate from the standard guidelines. What This Study Adds QI is an excellent tool to improve the adherence to PPV delivery during newborn resuscitation. Along with training and teaching of the care giving staff, the study identified important gaps in PPV delivery which were solved using simple and comprehensive measures.

Improving Initial Steps during Neonatal Resuscitation: A Quality Improvement Study

Background Neonatal resuscitation guided by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm is a frequently performed event. However, strict adherence to the algorithm is often lacking. This quality improvement study was conducted when we identified poor compliance with the NRP algorithm in the ‘initial steps’ as a problem in our hospital. Methods The study was carried out over 48 weeks with an aim to improve the early steps of the NRP algorithm in the delivery room from the existing baseline score (maximum score of 22) of 5 (22%) to at least 13 (60%). Objective scoring, which included 11 domains (maximum score of 2 for each) from antenatal counselling, team briefing, equipment check and initial steps, and the time taken to begin positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were taken as process measures. Improvement of score to >90%, PPV requirement, beginning of PPV within 60 s and the use of various checklists were studied as outcome measures, along with the balancing outcome of neonatal intensive care unit admission temperature. Statistical process control charts were used for data analysis with standard rules for upper and lower control limits. Results A total of 480 resuscitations were scored. All domains of scoring improved from the baseline to the sustenance phase. The control limit improved from a baseline score of 5.1–21 during the sustenance phase, while the time to start PPV improved from 93.7 to 61.7 seconds. There was a significant improvement in the use of checklists for antenatal counselling, team briefing, and equipment checks. The need for PPV remained the same, and it could be started in only 36.4% of households within 60 seconds. Conclusion Proper implementation of the initial steps of the NRP algorithm improved along with the time of initiation of PPV after the study, though no major change was documented in the need for PPV administration.

Resuscitation with Intact Cord Versus Clamped Cord in Late Preterm and Term Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To compare the effect of intact cord versus clamped cord resuscitation on the physiologic transition of neonates receiving positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) at birth. This open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled superiority trial was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in India. Neonates born at ≥34weeks of gestation after a complicated pregnancy or labor were randomized just before birth to receive resuscitation according to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm with either an intact cord (intact cord resuscitation group) or after early cord clamping (early cord clamping resuscitation group). The allocated study intervention was administered if the neonate needed PPV at birth. The primary outcome was expanded Apgar score at 5minutes after birth. Birth weight, gestational age, and the incidence of pregnancy complications were similar in the 2 study groups. The proportion of neonates who received PPV was lower in the intact cord resuscitation group (28.7% vs 36.5%, P=.05; relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.61-1.01). Among neonates who received PPV, the expanded Apgar score at 5minutes was significantly higher in the intact cord resuscitation group (median, 15 [IQR, 14-15] vs 14 [IQR, 13-15]; P<.001). The expanded Apgar score at 10minutes, Apgar scores at 5 and 10minutes, and oxygen saturation at 1, 5, and 10minutes were also higher in the intact cord resuscitation group. In late preterm and term neonates, resuscitation with an intact cord results in better postnatal physiologic transition than the standard practice of resuscitation after immediate cord clamping. Clinical Trial Registry of India (www.ctri.nic.in); trial registration no. CTRI/2020/02/023379.

Acute Delivery Room Resuscitation of Neonates Exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

To determine whether full-term neonates with in utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) require respiratory support in the delivery room, as indicated by the standardized Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm, significantly more often than nonexposed neonates. In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted data from medical records of full-term neonates with and without in utero SSRI exposure, defined as documentation of third trimester maternal SSRI treatment. A hospital-based sample was identified at Northwestern Medical Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Full-term singleton newborns identified in a 6-month period (n=4933) were selected for study. Neonates with a major congenital anomaly were excluded. The primary outcome was initiation of respiratory support in the delivery room, as indicated by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm. Of the 4933 full-term singleton neonates, 3.3% were exposed to SSRI in utero. Respiratory support was initiated significantly more often in SSRI exposed (12.9%) than unexposed (4.2%) neonates (covariate-adjusted OR, 4.04; 95% CI, 2.40-6.49). In utero SSRI exposure also was associated with a higher rate of neonatal intensive careunit admission (covariate-adjusted OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.30-3.50) and 1-minute Apgar score of ≤5 (covariate-adjusted OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.07-5.67). In this cohort, in utero SSRI exposure was associated with a significantly greater odds of resuscitation in the delivery room as well as neonatal intensive care unit admission. Although the mechanism underlying these associations have not been determined and causality cannot be assumed, these findings supporta recommendation that third trimester SSRI exposure be considered a risk factor for needing resuscitation.

Evaluation of audio-voice guided application for neonatal resuscitation: a prospective, randomized, pilot study.

To examine whether audio-voice guidance application improves adherence to resuscitation sequence and recommended time frames during neonatal resuscitation. A prospective, randomized, pilot study examining the use of an audio-voice application for guiding resuscitation on newborn mannequins, based on the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm. Two different scenarios, with and without voice guidance, were presented to 20 medical personnel (2 midwives, 8 nurses, and 10 physicians) in random order, and their performance videotaped. Audio-voice guided resuscitation compared with non-guided resuscitation, resulted in significantly better compliance with NRP order sequence (p<0.01), correct use of oxygen supplementation (p<0.01) and performance of MR SOPA (Mask, reposition, suction, open mouth, pressure, airway) (p<0.01), and shortened the time to "positive pressure ventilation" (p<0.01). In this pilot study, audio-voice guidance application for newborn resuscitation simulation on mannequins, based on the NRP algorithm, improved adherence and performance of NRP guidelines.

Code Blue Events in the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units at a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital.

The authors aim to compare all code blue events, regardless of the need for chest compressions, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) versus the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We hypothesize that code events in the two units differ, reflecting different disease processes. This is a retrospective analysis of 107 code events using the code narrator, which is an electronic medical record of real-time code documentation, from April 2018 to March 2019. Events were divided into two groups, NICU and PICU. Neonatal resuscitation program algorithm was used for NICU events and a pediatric advanced life-support algorithm was used for PICU events. Events and outcomes were compared using univariate analysis. The Mann-Whitney test and linear regressions were done to compare the total code duration, time from the start of code to airway insertion, and time from airway insertion to end of code event. In the PICU, there were almost four times more code blue events per month and more likely to involve patients with seizures and no chronic condition. NICU events more often involved ventilated patients and those under 2 months of age. The median code duration for NICU events was 2.5 times shorter than for PICU events (11.5 vs. 29 minutes), even when adjusted for patient characteristics. Survival to discharge was not different in the two groups. Our study suggests that NICU code events as compared with PICU code events are more likely to be driven by airway problems, involve patients <2 months of age, and resolve quickly once airway is taken care of. This supports the use of a ventilation-focused neonatal resuscitation program for patients in the NICU. · Code blue events are four times more common in PICU.. · NICU code events are 2.5 times shorter in duration compared with PICU events.. · NICU code events are more likely to be attributed to a problem with an airway..

111. IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEONATAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SIMULATION PROGRAM FOR PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS

Background Simulation-Based Medical Education is important in curriculum development and training in order to promote adequate teaching for trainees. At Connecticut Children's, simulation training is incorporated into the inpatient curriculum for pediatric residents with the exception of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). By implementing delivery room (DR) simulations, we hope to improve residents’ confidence in neonatal resuscitation skills. Aim Statement From November 2018 to December 2019, we aimed to improve pediatric resident confidence as assessed by serial surveys by 40% and improve Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) skill proficiency measured by the number of correctly performed NRP steps by 25%. Interventions Residents completed a survey before and after their NICU rotation asking the following: I am confident in my ability to 1) perform bag mask ventilation, 2) participate in neonatal mock codes (NMCs), and 3) be team leader during NMCs. We implemented twice monthly DR simulations using standardized cases. Three PDSA cycles were completed. During cycle 1, DR simulations were implemented using laminated cards to present clinical information. A digital app was used in cycle 2 to present vital signs. The 2016 NRP algorithm card was provided for cycle 3 as a tool for reference. Measures Outcome measures included number of correct NRP steps and changes in resident confidence in resuscitation skills. Process measures included time to initiate positive pressure ventilation (PPV), resident participation and time to adequate ventilation. Balancing measures included missed actual deliveries and procedures in the NICU. Results Thirty-one residents (17 PL-1 and 14 PL-2) participated in the project. Residents’ confidence in ability to participate in NMCs increased by 17% and 18% and confidence in ability to lead NMCs increased by 27% and 20% for PL-1 and PL-2, respectively. Overall, residents reported increased confidence in resuscitation skills when comparing pre- and post-survey results. There was no difference in number of correctly performed NRP steps. Mean time to initiate PPV during the first simulation was 99+36.7s and 65.5+46.3s during the second simulation, giving an average decrease in time to initiate PPV of 33.5+44s, (p Conclusions and Next Steps DR simulations increase resident confidence in ability to participate in and lead NMCs. Simulation may increase residents’ proficiency in NRP skills demonstrated by improvement in time to initiate PPV.

Impact of Repeat Simulated Neonatal Resuscitation Training on Neonatal Resuscitation Program Algorithm Adherence in a Community Hospital

Impact of Repeat Simulated Neonatal Resuscitation Training on Neonatal Resuscitation Program Algorithm Adherence in a Community Hospital

Tablet-Based Decision Support Tool Improves Performance of Neonatal Resuscitation: A Randomized Trial in Simulation.

Decision support tools (DST) may aid compliance of teams with the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm but have not been adequately tested in this population. Furthermore, the optimal team size for neonatal resuscitation is not known. Our aim was to determine whether use of a tablet-based DST or team size altered adherence to the NRP algorithm in teams of healthcare providers (HCPs) performing simulated neonatal resuscitation. One hundred nine HCPs were randomized into a team of 2 or 3 and into using a DST or memory alone while performing 2 simulation scenarios. The primary outcome was NRP compliance, assessed by the modified Neonatal Resuscitation Performance Evaluation (NRPE). Secondary outcomes were the subcomponents of the NRPE score, cumulative time error (the cumulative time in seconds to perform resuscitation tasks in error, early or late, from NRP guidelines), and the interaction between DST and team size. Decision support tool use improved total NRPE score when compared with memory alone (p = 0.015). There was no difference in NRPE score within teams of 2 compared with 3 HCPs. Cumulative time error was decreased with DST use compared with memory alone but was not significant (p = 0.057). Team size did not affect time error. Teams with the DST had improved NRP adherence compared with teams relying on memory alone in 1 of 2 scenarios. Two and 3 HCP teams performed similarly. Given the positive results observed in the simulated environment, further testing the DST in the clinical environment is warranted.

Heart Rate Assessment during Neonatal Resuscitation.

Approximately 10% of newborn infants require some form of respiratory support to successfully complete the fetal-to-neonatal transition. Heart rate (HR) determination is essential at birth to assess a newborn’s wellbeing. Not only is it the most sensitive indicator to guide interventions during neonatal resuscitation, it is also valuable for assessing the infant’s clinical status. As such, HR assessment is a key step at birth and throughout resuscitation, according to recommendations by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm. It is essential that HR is accurate, reliable, and fast to ensure interventions are delivered without delay and not prolonged. Ineffective HR assessment significantly increases the risk of hypoxic injury and infant mortality. The aims of this review are to summarize current practice, recommended techniques, novel technologies, and considerations for HR assessment during neonatal resuscitation at birth.

A Simulation-Based Pilot Study of a Mobile Application (NRP Prompt) as a Cognitive Aid for Neonatal Resuscitation Training.

Despite standardized neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) training, retention and adherence to the NRP algorithm remain a challenge. Cognitive aids can potentially improve acquisition and application of NRP knowledge and skills. The objective of this study was to determine whether an interactive mobile application providing audiovisual prompts, NRP Prompt, can help novice NRP providers learn the NRP algorithm more effectively and therefore improve their NRP performance. First- and second-year residents from family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology attending NRP training were randomized into intervention and control groups. Resident pairs used standard visual aids with NRP Prompt (intervention) or visual aids only (control) in two simulated neonatal resuscitation training sessions with each resident taking turns as a team leader. Pairs were then evaluated in a third simulation that was video recorded, where neither group used cognitive aids. The primary outcome was comparing resuscitation performance. Secondary outcomes included the following: times to positive-pressure ventilation, intubation, and chest compressions. Thirty-nine residents participated, of which 18 received the intervention. Neonatal resuscitation program performance scores did not significantly differ (P = 0.69). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests showed no significant differences in secondary outcomes of times to positive-pressure ventilation (P = 0.43), intubation (P = 0.44), or chest compressions (P = 0.35). Training using NRP Prompt did not improve performance scores in simulated neonatal resuscitations immediately after training. Potential reasons include voice prompts in their current format being distracting and lack of customizability to user preferences. Future development of prompting applications should apply a user-centered design approach to optimize the ability to meet end-user needs.

Who's counting? Assessing the effects of a simulation-based training intervention on the accuracy of neonatal heart rate auscultation.

To determine if simulation-based medical education could improve pediatric residents' ability to accurately assess neonatal heart rate via auscultation. Primary outcomes included heart rate accuracy and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) group accuracy, defined as whether a heart rate estimation fell in the appropriate NRP algorithm group. Pediatric residents completed a pre-assessment and then participated in a simulation training intervention on high-fidelity manikins. Residents completed a post-assessment 1 month later. Heart rate estimates from 21 pediatric residents showed improved overall heart rate accuracy and NRP group accuracy from 53.6 to 78.7% (p < 0.0001) and 68.3 to 80% (p = 0.0002), respectively. Residents were more likely to overestimate low heart rates and underestimate high heart rates. Heart rate simulation-based training significantly improved residents' ability to assess heart rate on high-fidelity neonatal manikins. Providers participating in NRP may benefit by receiving heart rate skills assessment-focused training during an NRP provider course.

The Implementation of a Neonatal Resuscitation Program Simulation Curriculum as a Quality Improvement Project

Purpose: Neonatal-perinatal fellows recertify for Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) every 2 years. It has been shown that cognitive knowledge and technical skills are retained for 6-12 months after recertification. If not practiced regularly, NRP skills are not developed and diminish over time. Deviations from NRP algorithm can lead to poor patient outcomes. Studies have shown repetitive simulation sessions can improve and maintain NRP performance. At our institution there is no simulation curriculum for neonatal-perinatal fellows. There is also variability in the acuity and number of resuscitations and less opportunity to lead resuscitations due to other …

MR. SOPA-DRILLS TO IMPROVE MASK VENTILATION IN THE DELIVERY ROOM

BACKGROUND: Effective positive pressure ventilation (PPV) via facemask is dependent on adequate mask ventilation technique. Mask leak and airway obstruction can affect effective PPV. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) emphasizes that during PPV corrective steps “MR. SOPA” should be performed to ensure effective mask PPV. However, skills taught during a NRP-course generally decline shortly afterwards and often do not result in proficiency during mask PPV. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that daily simulation drills to teach the MR. SOPA corrective steps will improve mask ventilation performance in preterm infants <33 weeks requiring PPV at birth. DESIGN/METHODS: After a 4-month observation period (baseline), we randomly assigned 58 healthcare members from the local neonatal resuscitation team to either daily MR. SOPA drills or self-directed revision of the 2015 NRP algorithm over a period of 3 months (intervention phase). This was followed by a 4-month post-observation phase (post-training phase). During baseline and post-training phase resuscitations of infants <33weeks gestation were recorded using our unique recording system (incl. respiratory function monitoring and video recordings). Mask ventilation performance and use of MR. SOPA were compared between pre and post intervention phase. RESULTS: Overall, there was a significant increase in efficiently and correctly applying MR. SOPA corrective steps during PPV in the MR. SOPA drill group. There was no difference in the rate of delivery room intubation post intervention. There was no difference on days of respiratory support following admission to NICU or neonatal death at discharge. CONCLUSION: Healthcare provider receiving daily MR. SOPA drills had improved mask ventilation technique and performance compared to self-directed NRP learning.

Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice: Application to Neonatal Resuscitation.

This curriculum includes two simulation cases for neonatal resuscitation training using the rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) technique. RCDP is a simulation-based curriculum that presents participants with rounds of increasing difficulty in rapid repetition, interspersing brief, direct feedback within the simulation. In contrast, traditional debriefing focuses on learning after the scenario is complete. Traditional debriefing usually utilizes advocacy-inquiry debriefing but allows less opportunity for practice. Each case provides a neonatal resuscitation scenario (respiratory failure secondary to perinatal compromise and cardiac arrest secondary to placental abruption) for a term newborn in the delivery room. The curriculum utilizes high-fidelity neonatal mannequins with learner teams of three to six multidisciplinary teammates who participate in scenarios of increasing difficulty to revive a neonate. Learners can include a spectrum from beginning to advanced neonatal resuscitation providers. Learners are expected to perform the appropriate steps per the neonatal resuscitation program algorithm in addition to exhibiting effective crisis resource management skills. Immediate assessment of learner performance and feedback within the RCDP model is more directive, which allows for rapid resumption of practice. The instructor may also choose to pause and back up or to pause and restart, depending on the correction needed. Neonatal resuscitation program teaching utilizes a neonatal resuscitation performance evaluation, which may be used to guide opportunities for feedback within RCDP.

Nrp Prompt: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mobile App for Neonatal Resuscitation Training

Abstract BACKGROUND: There is poor adherence to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm by all levels of providers in simulated and clinical settings. While audio- visual prompting improves adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, visual prompting alone has not been effective in improving NRP compliance. For this study, an iOS mobile app, NRP Prompt, was designed to provide audio -visual prompts based on user responses at NRP decision points. OBJECTIVES: To determine if NRP Prompt improves the adherence of novice NRP providers to the NRP algorithm compared to visual- only prompting in simulated neonatal resuscitation. DESIGN/METHODS: First year residents attending NRP training were randomized into intervention and control groups. Resident pairs used standard visual aids with NRP Prompt (intervention) or visual aids only (control) in two low- fidelity neonatal resuscitation simulations, where each resident took turns as team leader. Pairs were then evaluated in a third simulated scenario that was video -recorded, where neither group used NRP Prompt nor visual aids. The primary outcome was comparing the median checklist score in NRP Prompt versus control. Tw o independent NRP providers evaluated the video recordings of each pair using a validated NRP checklist. Secondary outcomes were: time to positive pressure ventilation (PPV), time to chest compressions and time to intubation. Inter-observer variability was determined using a two- way mixed -effects intra -class correlation coefficient (ICC). Median NRP scores and time to interventions were compared between intervention and control using the Wilcoxon ranked- sum test. RESULTs: 39 residents participated, 8 pairs in intervention and 7 pairs (and 1 group of 3) in control. The ICC was 0.69, indicating good inter-rater agreement. Median NRP scores did not differ in intervention 21 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.5) vs. control 21 (IQR: 1.5), p=0.89. Median time in seconds did not differ for time to PPV (60.5 (IQR: 19.5) vs. 48 (IQR: 13.5) p=0.12), chest compressions (202.5 (IQR: 54) vs. 216 (IQR: 71) p=0.69), and intubation (234 (IQR: 145) vs. 264 (IQR: 94.5) p=0.25). CONCLUSION: Training using NRP Prompt did not improve performance in simulated neonatal resuscitation. Potential reasons include voice prompts being distracting and smaller than hypothesized effect size. Future development of prompting apps should have options for different degrees of prompting tailored to user preferences.

Impact of Standardized Communication Techniques on Errors during Simulated Neonatal Resuscitation.

Current patterns of communication in high-risk clinical situations, such as resuscitation, are imprecise and prone to error. We hypothesized that the use of standardized communication techniques would decrease the errors committed by resuscitation teams during neonatal resuscitation. In a prospective, single-blinded, matched pairs design with block randomization, 13 subjects performed as a lead resuscitator in two simulated complex neonatal resuscitations. Two nurses assisted each subject during the simulated resuscitation scenarios. In one scenario, the nurses used nonstandard communication; in the other, they used standardized communication techniques. The performance of the subjects was scored to determine errors committed (defined relative to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm), time to initiation of positive pressure ventilation (PPV), and time to initiation of chest compressions (CC). In scenarios in which subjects were exposed to standardized communication techniques, there was a trend toward decreased error rate, time to initiation of PPV, and time to initiation of CC. While not statistically significant, there was a 1.7-second improvement in time to initiation of PPV and a 7.9-second improvement in time to initiation of CC. Should these improvements in human performance be replicated in the care of real newborn infants, they could improve patient outcomes and enhance patient safety.

Modification of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program Algorithm for Resuscitation of Conjoined Twins.

There are no national or international guidelines for the resuscitation of conjoined twins. We have described how the U.S. Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm can be modified for delivery room resuscitation of omphaloischiopagus conjoined twins. In planning for the delivery and resuscitation of these patients, we considered the challenges of providing cardiopulmonary support to preterm conjoined twins in face-to-face orientation and with shared circulation via a fused liver and single umbilical cord. We also demonstrate how in situ simulation can be used to prepare a large, multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to deliver safe, efficient, and effective care to such patients.

Analysis and classification of errors made by teams during neonatal resuscitation

AimThe Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm serves as a guide to healthcare professionals caring for neonates transitioning to extrauterine life. Despite this, adherence to the algorithm is challenging, and errors are frequent. Information-dense, high-risk fields such as air traffic control have proven that formal classification of errors facilitates recognition and remediation. This study was performed to determine and characterize common deviations from the NRP algorithm during neonatal resuscitation. MethodsAudiovisual recordings of 250 real neonatal resuscitations were obtained between April 2003 and May 2004. Of these, 23 complex resuscitations were analyzed for adherence to the contemporaneous NRP algorithm and scored using a novel classification tool based on the validated NRP Megacode Checklist. ResultsSeven hundred eighty algorithm-driven tasks were observed. One hundred ninety-four tasks were completed incorrectly, for an average error rate of 23%. Forty-two were errors of omission (28% of all errors) and 107 were errors of commission (72% of all errors). Many errors were repetitive and potentially clinically significant: failure to assess heart rate and/or breath sounds, improper rate of positive pressure ventilation, inadequate peak inspiratory and end expiratory pressures during ventilation, improper chest compression technique, and asynchronous PPV and CC. ConclusionsErrors of commission, especially when performing advanced life support interventions such as positive pressure ventilation, intubation, and chest compressions, are common during neonatal resuscitation and are sources of potential harm. The adoption of error reduction strategies capable of decreasing cognitive and technical load and standardizing communication – strategies common in other industries – should be considered in healthcare.