Provider perspectives on counseling and resuscitation at 22 weeks gestation and their impact on decision-making: what...

To evaluate perceptions of providers regarding the best course of action for resuscitation of infants born at 22 weeks gestational age (GA).

Anonymous survey of providers caring for infants born at 22^0/7 to 22^6/7weeks GA at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center including: Parkland Health and Hospital System (PHHS), Clements University Hospital (CUH), and Texas Health Dallas (THD).

Neonatal nurses were more likely to favor comfort care at 22 weeks GA than neonatologists (36% vs 4.3%; P < 0.05). Providers at PHHS were more likely to think comfort care at 22 weeks GA was appropriate than providers at CUH (35% vs 17%; P <0.05). Providers at THD were more likely to think deferral to parental wishes was appropriate for infants born at 22 weeks than providers at PHHS (71% vs 48%; P < 0.05).

Provider perspectives on decision-making surrounding resuscitation at 22 weeks GA vary significantly by healthcare profession and practicing hospital.