[Instruction in neonatal resuscitation. A survey among Norwegian pediatricians]

Neonatal resuscitation requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skill. By means of a mailed questionnaire we surveyed the training programmes in paediatric departments in Norway. Most departments provide some kind of instruction for new staff members, but several had no structured programmes for maintaining the skills of existing staff. Many departments are too small to provide adequate clinical material for necessary instruction and maintenance of skills. Thus, other kinds of teaching materials should be used. Several departments continue to use recently expired patients for such training, although the Council for Medical Ethics, under the Norwegian Medical Association, has pronounced this practice unethical. We join others who suggest that the Council's position should be reevaluated.