The Provision and Evaluation of a Neonatal Resuscitation Program

TLDR

Neonatal resuscitation training is widely needed for perinatal staff, yet standardized programs were lacking. Future research should focus on strategies to sustain resuscitation skills. A randomized controlled trial evaluated a one‑day neonatal resuscitation training program with 190 nurses. The program produced significant improvements in knowledge and skill performance, retained knowledge at six months, correlated self‑rated knowledge with performance, and yielded effective training formats and evaluation instruments.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The need to train perinatal staff in neonatal resuscitation is widely accepted; however, standardized educational programs have not been available. This study used a randomized control trial to evaluate a one-day neonatal resuscitation education program with 190 nurses. Experimental subjects receiving the program had significantly improved knowledge and skill performance. Knowledge, but not skill performance, was maintained at six months for the experimental group. There was a significant relationship between subjects' self-rating of knowledge and performance, suggesting that this method could be used to prioritize staff for basic or refresher training. An effective format and evaluation instruments for neonatal resuscitation training have been developed. Strategies to maintain skills should be addressed in future research.