Telecoaching Improves Positive Pressure Ventilation Performance During Simulated Neonatal Resuscitations.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Medical Simulation
• Telehealth

Background:

• Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is essential for neonatal resuscitation.
• Effective PPV requires precise technique to ensure adequate ventilation and minimize complications.
• Current training methods may not fully replicate the dynamic nature of neonatal emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of telecoaching in improving PPV performance among neonatal providers.
• To assess the impact of real-time remote feedback on ventilation parameters during simulated neonatal resuscitations.

Main Methods:

• A prospective crossover study involving 14 experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses and respiratory therapists.
• Participants performed PPV on a manikin, with ventilation parameters recorded.
• Intervention involved live telecoaching feedback, while the control involved independent practice, with roles reversed in a crossover design.

Main Results:

• Telecoaching significantly reduced mask leak percentage (19% vs. 100% leak, p=0.0001).
• Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) delivery was significantly higher in the telecoaching group (27.6 vs. 23.3 cmH2O, p<0.001).
• Ventilation rates did not show a statistically significant difference between groups (55 vs. 58 breaths/min, p=0.51).

Conclusions:

• Telecoaching enhances PPV performance in simulated neonatal resuscitations, primarily by reducing mask leak.
• The intervention group demonstrated improved control over peak inspiratory pressures.
• Telecoaching presents a viable and effective modality for real-time skill enhancement in neonatal resuscitation training.