Exploring paediatric residents' perceptions of competency in neonatal intensive care

Assessment and stabilization of the newborn are expected competencies of trainees graduating from Canadian paediatrics residency training programs. There is limited evidence regarding the optimal approach to training, and whether such competencies are actually achieved by graduates. A national, cross-sectional survey was developed to explore paediatrics residents' self-reported experiences in performing neonatal procedures and resuscitation skills. Survey questions were constructed based on the review of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada objectives of training in paediatrics to include activities necessary in the assessment and stabilization of the newborn. The survey was distributed to residents across Canada. A total of 138 residents from 15 Canadian paediatrics residency training programs completed the survey. A minority of residents (17%) reported independently performing resuscitative skills (positive pressure ventilation, intubation and umbilical line insertion). Of all the different neonatal procedural skills, only lumbar puncture was reported as an activity that residents on average performed independently by senior years of training. Our study showed a direct relationship between the number of completed blocks of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and self-reported experiences in providing NICU resuscitation skills and procedures. We found an inverse relationship between the exposure to cross-cover calls and such experiences. Our study showed that a minority of paediatrics residents self-report evidence of competency in performing neonatal procedures and resuscitation skills. As residency programs are transitioning toward competence-based education, it is important to gain more insights with respect to strengths, deficiencies and opportunities for paediatrics residency training in terms of NICU experiences.