UK neonatal resuscitation survey

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious surveys have demonstrated that neonatal resuscitation practices on the delivery suite vary between UK units, particularly according to the hospital’s neonatal unit’s level. Our aim was to determine if recent changes to the Resuscitation Council guidelines had influenced clinical practice.MethodsSurveys of resuscitation practices at UK delivery units carried out in 2012 and 2017 were compared.ResultsComparing 2017 with 2012, initial resuscitation using air was more commonly used in both term (98% vs 75%, p<0.001) and preterm (84% vs 34%, p<0.001) born infants. Exhaled carbon dioxide monitoring was more frequently employed in 2017 (84% vs 19%, p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in practices according to the level of neonatal care provided by the hospital.ConclusionThere have been significant changes in neonatal resuscitation practices in the delivery suite since 2012 regardless of the different levels of neonatal care offered.