Impact of a novel decision support tool on adherence to Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Neonatology

Background:

• Healthcare professionals (HCPs) exhibit significant error rates (16-55%) in adhering to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm.
• Accurate NRP algorithm implementation is critical for neonatal resuscitation outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare adherence to the NRP algorithm between HCPs using a decision support tool and those relying on memory.
• To evaluate the impact of auditory and visual prompts on NRP algorithm implementation during simulated neonatal resuscitation.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 65 HCPs performing three simulated neonatal resuscitations.
• Intervention group used a decision support tool; control group used memory.
• Evaluated adherence to positive pressure ventilation (PPV), chest compressions (CC), and FiO2 adjustment.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher correct performance of PPV (94-95% vs. 55-80%) and CC (82-93% vs. 71-81%).
• FiO2 was addressed three times more frequently in the intervention group (p<0.001).
• The decision support tool led to significantly fewer deviations from the NRP algorithm (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• A decision support tool significantly enhances adherence to the NRP algorithm during simulated neonatal resuscitation.
• Implementing such tools can improve the quality of care during critical neonatal events.