Neonatal endotracheal intubation: development of a comprehensive educational program for procedural skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neonatal Resuscitation
• Procedural Skills Training

Background:

• Decreased opportunities for neonatal endotracheal intubation (ETI) practice due to increased non-invasive support.
• Low first-attempt success rates in neonatal ETI despite current training methods.
• Urgent need for novel educational approaches to achieve procedural competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative educational program for neonatal ETI.
• To enhance procedural skills and reduce stress in trainees performing neonatal ETI.
• To provide a model for other high-acuity, low-occurrence (HALO) procedures.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) in January 2025.
• Integration of stress-management techniques into the educational framework.
• Development of a program based on micro-credentialing principles.

Main Results:

• Identified effective strategies: video-laryngoscopy aided coaching, just-in-time training, frequent mannequin practice, rapid cycle deliberate practice, mental skills training, and deep-slow breathing.
• A comprehensive educational program was developed incorporating these strategies.
• The program aims to enhance neonatal ETI skills and reduce trainee stress.

Conclusions:

• The innovative program enhances neonatal ETI skills and reduces acute stress responses.
• Further studies are required to assess the program's impact on patient outcomes and trainee well-being.
• The program is beneficial for trainees, senior clinicians, and can be adapted for other critical procedures.