Adapted protocol for pulse oximetry screening for congenital heart defects in a country with homebirths

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Health
• Public Health Screening
• Cardiology

Background:

• Pulse oximetry is recommended for neonatal screening of critical congenital heart defects (CCHD).
• Perinatal care varies widely across European countries, necessitating country-specific accuracy and cost-effectiveness studies.
• The Netherlands has a high rate of community-based midwife-attended births at home or in policlinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and propose a CCHD screening protocol adapted to the Dutch perinatal setting.
• To enhance the safety of neonatal screening, particularly in homebirth settings.
• To provide a model for other countries with non-hospital birth settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a screening protocol tailored for community-based midwives.
• Integration of pulse oximetry screening into existing Dutch perinatal care pathways.
• Consideration of homebirth and early discharge scenarios.

Main Results:

• A novel screening protocol for CCHD has been developed for the Dutch context.
• The protocol is designed to be compatible with midwife-led community care.
• Potential to improve safety in homebirth settings is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• The developed CCHD screening protocol may be valuable for international adoption.
• It is particularly relevant for countries planning homebirth or early discharge screening.
• The protocol addresses the need for adaptable CCHD screening in diverse perinatal settings.