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

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Advanced neonatal resuscitation events are critical but infrequent, posing a risk to patient outcomes.
• Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) renewal every 2 years may lead to skill degradation.
• Healthcare systems prioritize advanced provider resuscitation skills due to their direct impact on patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement simulation-based education using the NRP curriculum for advanced providers across various NICU levels.
• To enhance provider confidence and knowledge in managing advanced neonatal resuscitation scenarios.
• To assess the effectiveness of simulation in improving resuscitation skills.

Main Methods:

• High-fidelity mannequins simulated critical scenarios covering the entire NRP algorithm.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) knowledge was assessed pre- and post-simulation.
• Simulation effectiveness on confidence and knowledge was measured using a modified evaluation tool (SET-M).

Main Results:

• Average knowledge scores increased by 7% from pretest to posttest.
• Debriefing emerged as the most impactful element for improving both confidence and knowledge.
• Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) with extensive clinical experience showed the greatest knowledge gains.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based NRP training positively impacts provider knowledge, especially for experienced NNPs in Level II NICUs with lower exposure to critical events.
• Debriefing is a crucial component of simulation-based medical education for neonatal resuscitation.
• Targeted simulation strategies may be necessary to maintain competency in low-volume, high-risk neonatal resuscitation scenarios.