Building Relationships: Advanced Practice Providers and Fellows in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: Advanced practice providers (APPs) are a critical component of health care teams, especially in the neonatal intensive care unit. At times, APPs and neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) fellows may experience tension in their professional relationship. They may perceive the other's performance and abilities differently. We hypothesized that satisfaction with the APP-NPM fellow interprofessional relationship would be associated with higher perception of APP competence by NPM fellows. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed 274 medical providers: NPM fellows (24.8%), NPM program directors (24.5%), and APPs (50.7%). APPs were defined as neonatal nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or neonatal hospitalists. We obtained demographic data, information about sources of conflict in the APP-NPM fellow relationship, level of satisfaction with the relationship, and targeted interventions for improvement. NPM fellow perception of APP competence as well as APP self-assessed competence were elicited. Statistical analyses were performed with chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Overall, APPs and NPM fellows were generally satisfied with their relationship. All groups reported APP competence as equivalent to a third-year NPM fellow. NPM fellow perception of APP competence increased with year of fellow training. Higher perceived APP competence by NPM fellows correlated with higher relationship satisfaction scores. Difficulties with teamwork, communication and respect were associated with lower satisfaction within the APP-NPM fellow relationship. CONCLUSION: The professional working dynamic between these two groups is viewed positively by all. Satisfaction with the APP-NPM fellow relationship correlated with higher perception of APP competence by NPM fellows. Targeted interventions that increase NPM fellow perception of APP competence and ameliorate the difficulties encountered in the APP-NPM fellow relationship may improve this interprofessional relationship. KEY POINTS: · Advanced practice providers and NPM fellows may have similar responsibilities leading to challenges.. · NPM fellows with higher perceived competence of APPs had higher satisfaction with their relationship.. · Training APPs to teach, creating interprofessional education, and routine debrief sessions may help..

Assessing Barriers to Utilization of Premedication for Neonatal Intubation Based on the Theoretical Domains Framework.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of premedication utilization for nonemergent neonatal intubations (NIs) in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). STUDY DESIGN: Between November 2018 and January 2019, multidisciplinary providers at a level IV NICU were invited to participate in an anonymous, electronic survey based on Theoretical Domains Framework to identify influences on utilization of evidence-based recommendations for NI premedication. RESULTS: Of 186 surveys distributed, 84 (45%) providers responded. Most agreed with premedication use in the following domains: professional role/identity (86%), emotions (79%), skills (72%), optimism (71%), and memory, attention, and decision process (71%). Domains with less agreement include social influences (42%), knowledge (57%), intention (60%), belief about capabilities (63%), and behavior regulation (64%). Additional barriers include environmental context and resources, and beliefs about consequences. CONCLUSION: Several factors influence premedication use for nonemergent NI and may serve as facilitators and/or barriers. Efforts to address barriers should incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes and decrease procedure-related pain. KEY POINTS: · Premedication for NIs can optimize conditions and decrease rates of tracheal intubation adverse events but there is significant international and institutional variation for premedication use for NI.. · Guided by implementation science methods, the Theoretical Domains Framework was utilized to construct a novel assessment tool to determine potential barriers to and facilitators of the use of premedication for NI.. · Several factors influence premedication for nonemergent NI..

How Good is Good Enough?: Current-Day Pediatric Residency Program Directors' Challenges in Assessing and Achieving Resident Procedural Competency.

OBJECTIVE: Significant gaps exist in the pediatric resident (PR) procedural experience. Graduating PRs are not achieving competency in the 13 ACGME recommended procedures. It is unclear why PR are not able to achieve competency, or how existing gaps may be addressed. METHODS: We performed in-depth one-on-one semistructured interviews with 12 pediatric residency program directors (PPDs). The interviews were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Coding of the data using conventional content analysis led to generation of categories, which were validated through consensus development. RESULTS: We identified 4 main categories, including (1) programs struggle to ensure adequate training in procedural skills for PRs, with various barriers reported; (2) programs develop individualized strategies to address challenges in procedural skills training, and multiple options are necessary; (3) PPDs face challenges defining procedural competency and standardizing expectations; and (4) expectations for PR procedural training may require modification based upon current practice environments. Solutions include simulation, procedural boot camps, and procedural/subspecialty electives. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous methods to combat challenges in PR procedural training have been identified by participating PPDs, including simulation, tailoring electives, and developing institutional guidelines. However, accreditation bodies may need to update procedural expectations based on individual resident career goals and realities of current day practice.

Pivot and Persist: A Technical Report on Adapting an Existing Multi-Institutional Bootcamp to a Hybrid Platform.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted most in-person simulation training, including established simulation-based medical bootcamps. These sessions are important for the preparation of new trainees to think critically about common clinical scenarios, practice technical skills, and optimize leadership, teamwork, and communication. Having the opportunity to hone these skills in a safe environment is instrumental for the development of trainees' confidence and professional identity formation, and may contribute to patient safety. When the annual New England/Mid-Atlantic regional first-year neonatology fellows' bootcamp was jeopardized by COVID restrictions, we implemented a novel approach to adapt the existing in-person format and curriculum for large-scale hybrid delivery. The resultant two-day session was well-received by both participants and facilitators. Important lessons from this experience, including adaptions to the curriculum, schedule, simulation interface and hybrid platform, are relevant to educators seeking to conduct large-scale virtual simulation-based educational sessions.

Perceptions of Neonatal Palliative Care: Similarities and Differences between Medical and Nursing Staff in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Background: A significant number of newborns are affected by life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Despite this prevalence, there are inconsistencies in attitudes toward, and delivery of, neonatal palliative care. Implementing neonatal palliative care practice requires a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort. Objective: To examine institutional and individual barriers to and facilitators of neonatal palliative care from both medical and nursing perspectives. Design/Setting/Subjects: A prospective cross-sectional study design was used to collect data using the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale (NiPCAS) survey from medical providers and nurses in a 64-bed level IV neonatal intensive care unit in the United States. The response rate was 67%. Measurements: The NiPCAS survey included 26 attitudinal questions on a Likert scale. The instrument included three subscales: organization, resources, and clinician, in addition to other questions. Results: Six facilitators to neonatal palliative care were identified: (1) support of palliative care by the health care team, (2) support of palliative care by medical and nursing practice, (3) agreement that palliative care is as important as curative care, (4) parental involvement in decision making, (5) recognition of the importance of palliative care education, and (6) prioritizing pain relief. Three barriers to neonatal palliative care were highlighted: (1) a physical environment that is not conducive to providing palliative care, (2) technological obligations and parental demands, and (3) the societal belief that babies should not die. In addition, there were differences between medical and nursing staffs' attitudes on several topics. Conclusions: Several facilitators and barriers of neonatal palliative care were identified. There were similarities and differences in perceptions of neonatal palliative care between medical and nursing staff. Future work should be done to strengthen facilitators and to mitigate barriers.

Impact of telemedicine on neonatal resuscitation in the emergency department: a simulation-based randomised trial.

Background: The delivery and initial resuscitation of a newborn infant are required but rarely practised skills in emergency medicine. Deliveries in the emergency department are high-risk events and deviations from best practices are associated with poor outcomes. Introduction: Telemedicine can provide emergency medicine providers real-time access to a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)-trained paediatric specialist. We hypothesised that adherence to NRP guidelines would be higher for participants with access to a remotely located NRP-trained paediatric specialist via telemedicine compared with participants without access. Materials and methods: Prospective single-centre randomised trial. Emergency Medicine residents were randomised into a telemedicine or standard care group. The participants resuscitated a simulated, apnoeic and bradycardic neonate. In the telemedicine group a remote paediatric specialist participated in the resuscitation. Simulations were video recorded and assessed for adherence to guidelines using four critical actions. The secondary outcome of task load was measured through participants' completion of the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and reviewers completed a detailed NRP checklist. Results: Twelve participants were included. The use of telemedicine was associated with significantly improved adherence to three of the four critical actions reflecting NRP guidelines as well as a significant improvement in the overall score (p<0.001). On the NASA-TLX, no significant difference was seen in overall subjective workload assessment, but of the subscore components, frustration was statistically significantly greater in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions: In this study, telemedicine improved adherence to NRP guidelines. Future work is needed to replicate these findings in the clinical environment.

Reducing Unplanned Extubations Across a Children's Hospital Using Quality Improvement Methods.

INTRODUCTION: Children who require an endotracheal (ET) tube for care during critical illness are at risk of unplanned extubations (UE), or the unintended dislodgement or removal of an ET tube that can lead to significant patient harm. A proposed national benchmark is 1 UE per 100 ventilator days. We aimed to reduce the rate of UEs in our intensive care units (ICUs) from 1.20 per 100 ventilator days to below the national benchmark within 2 years. METHODS: We identified several key drivers including ET securement standardization, safety culture, and strategies for high-risk situations. We employed quality improvement methodologies including apparent cause analysis and plan-do-study-act cycles to improve our processes and outcomes. RESULTS: Over 2 years, we reduced the rate of UEs hospital-wide by 75% from 1.2 to 0.3 per 100 ventilator days. We eliminated UEs in the pediatric ICU during the study period, while the UE rate in the neonatal ICU also decreased from 1.2 to 0.3 per 100 ventilator days. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that by using quality improvement methodology, we successfully reduced our rate of UE by 75% to a level well below the proposed national benchmark.

MRI Differences Associated with Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) further increases this risk. Brain imaging studies are often utilized at or near term-equivalent age to determine later prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between intrauterine growth and regional brain volume on MRI scans performed in preterm infants at or near term-equivalent age. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of 24 infants born at gestational age ≤30 weeks and cared for in a large, inner-city, academic neonatal intensive-care unit from 2012 to 2013. Each IUGR infant was matched with 1-2 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants who served as controls. Predischarge MRI scans routinely obtained at ≥36 weeks' adjusted age were analyzed for regional brain volumetric differences. We examined the association between IUGR and thalamic, basal ganglion, and cerebellar brain volumes in these preterm infants. RESULTS: Compared to AGA infants, IUGR infants had a smaller thalamus (7.88 vs. 5.87 mL, p = 0.001) and basal ganglion (8.87 vs. 6.92 mL, p = 0.002) volumes. There was no difference in cerebellar volumes between the two study groups. Linear regression analyses revealed similar trends in the associations between IUGR and brain volumes after adjusting for sex, gestational age at birth, and postconceptual age and weight at MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Thalamus and basal ganglion volumes are reduced in growth-restricted preterm infants. These differences may preferentially impact neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further research is needed to explore these relationships.

Cost-effective and low-technology options for simulation and training in neonatology.

The purpose of this review is to explore low-cost options for simulation and training in neonatology. Numerous cost-effective options exist for simulation and training in neonatology. Lower cost options are available for teaching clinical skills and procedural training in neonatal intubation, chest tube insertion, and pericardiocentesis, among others. Cost-effective, low-cost options for simulation-based education can be developed and shared in order to optimize the neonatal simulation training experience.

CRIB scores as a tool for assessing risk for the development of pulmonary hypertension in extremely preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) increases the risk for developing pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the risk factors associated with BPD-associated PH remain unclear. Our primary aim was to determine perinatal risk factors associated with the development of PH in infants with BPD. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 303 infants born at ≤ 28 weeks' gestation. Infants were categorized as having no, mild, moderate, or severe BPD. PH was diagnosed by echocardiogram. Data were analyzed using Fisher exact test, two-sample t-test, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of PH in our cohort was 12%. Infants with PH had lower birth weights and gestational ages (p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, severe BPD (p < 0.001), and higher Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) scores (p = 0.04) were associated with the development of PH. CONCLUSION: Severe BPD increases the risk for developing PH. Higher CRIB scores correlate with PH development in infants with BPD. We speculate that CRIB scores may allow for early categorization of preterm infants with a higher likelihood of developing PH.

Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns.

CCHD affects more than 25% of neonates born with congenital heart disease. Patients with CCHD require timely intervention in the form of surgery or cardiac catheterization to survive. These interventions may improve survival and outcomes for these patients. There is strong evidence that performing newborn pulse oximetry screening after the first 24 hours of life may help to detect more than 1200 neonates in the United States each year with CCHD. Pulse oximetry screening for CCHD has been demonstrated to be reasonable to implement and seems to be cost-effective. There is evidence that asymptomatic patients with CCHD can be diagnosed before clinical presentation or cardiovascular collapse with this screening. Pulse oximeter screening has been endorsed by several national organizations as a valuable newborn screening tool. Implementation of pulse oximetry screening programs in a standardized manner with strong communication among all involved parties will likely improve outcomes as well. As we move forward, we as clinicians should work to have a centralized system of reporting positive CCHD results, prompt patient evaluation, and good follow-up for the families of those neonates with positive screening results. Achieving these objectives will likely help us to achieve the goal of improving outcomes of the most critical neonates with CCHD.

Do you see what I see? A randomised pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of simulation-based training with videolaryngoscopy for neonatal intubation.

Introduction: Direct laryngoscopy (DL) and airway intubation are critical for neonatal resuscitation. A challenge in teaching DL is that the instructor cannot assess the learners' airway view. Videolaryngoscopy (VL), which allows display of a patient's airway on a monitor, enables the instructor to view the airway during the procedure. This pilot study compared deliberate practice using either VL with instruction (I-VL) or traditional DL. We hypothesised that I-VL would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of neonatal intubation (NI) training. Methods: Participants (students, paediatric interns and neonatal fellows) were randomised to I-VL or DL. Baseline technical skills were assessed using a skills checklist and global skills assessment. Following educational sessions, deliberate practice was performed on mannequins using the Storz C-MAC. With I-VL, the instructor could guide training using a real-time airway monitor view. With DL, feedback was based solely on technique or direct visual confirmation, but the instructor and learner views were not concurrent. During summative assessment, procedural skills checklists were used to evaluate intubation ability on a neonatal airway trainer. The duration of attempts was recorded, and recorded airway views were blindly reviewed for airway grade. 'Effectiveness' reflected achievement of the minimum passing score (MPS). 'Efficiency' was the duration of training for learners achieving the MPS. Results: 58 learners were randomised. Baseline demographics were similar. All participants had a significant improvement in knowledge, skills and comfort/confidence following training. There were no significant differences between randomised groups in efficiency or effectiveness, but trends towards improvement in each were noted. Fellows were more likely to achieve 'competency' postinstruction compared to non-fellows (p<0.001). Conclusions: This educational intervention to teach NI increased the learner's knowledge, technical skills and confidence in procedural performance in both groups. I-VL did not improve training effectiveness. The small sample size and participant diversity may have limited findings, and future work is indicated.

Haemorrhagic stroke in term and late preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Few data regarding causes and outcomes of haemorrhagic stroke (HS) in term neonates are available. We characterised risk factors, mechanism and short-term outcomes in term and late preterm neonates with acute HS. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Single-centre tertiary care stroke registry. SUBJECTS: Term and late preterm neonates (≥ 34 weeks gestation), born 2004-2010, with acute HS ≤ 28 days of life were identified, and clinical information was abstracted. Short-term outcomes were assessed via standardised neurological exam and rated using the Paediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM). RESULTS: Among 42 neonates, median gestational age was 39.7 weeks (IQR 38-40.7 weeks). Diagnosis occurred at a median of 1 day (IQR 0-7 days) after delivery. Twenty-seven (64%) had intraparenchymal and intraventricular haemorrhage. Mechanism was haemorrhagic transformation of venous or arterial infarction in 22 (53%). Major risk factors included congenital heart disease (CHD), fetal distress and haemostatic abnormalities. Common presentations included seizure, apnoea, and poor feeding or vomiting. Acute hydrocephalus was common. Mortality was 12%. Follow-up occurred in 36/37 survivors at a median of 1 year (IQR 0.5-2.0 years). Among 17/36 survivors evaluated in stroke clinic, 47% demonstrated neurologic deficits. Deficits were mild (PSOM 0.5-1.5) in 9/36 (25%), and moderate-to-severe (PSOM ≥ 2.0) in 8/36 (22%). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort with acute HS, most presented with seizures, apnoea and/or poor feeding. Fetal distress and CHD were common. Nearly two-thirds had intraparenchymal with intraventricular haemorrhage. Over half were due to haemorrhagic transformation of infarction. Short-term neurologic deficits were present in 47% of survivors.

Nitric oxide counteracts the hyperoxia-induced proliferation and proinflammatory responses of mouse astrocytes.

Preclinical studies in the premature baboon evaluating the efficacy and potential toxicity of inhaled nitric oxide indicated a significant effect on astrocyte area density, suggesting phenotypic and functional changes in astrocytes upon exposure to nitric oxide. However, the effects of nitric oxide and oxygen, the two major therapeutic gases utilized in neonatal intensive care, on astrocyte morphology and function remain vastly unknown. Herein, we report that exposure of mouse neonatal cortical astrocytes to hyperoxia results in a proinflammatory phenotype and increase in proliferation without significant changes in cellular morphology or levels of intermediate filament proteins. The proinflammatory phenotype was evident by a significant increase in cellular levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and a concomitant increase in prostaglandin E(2) secretion, a decline in the intracellular and secreted levels of apolipoprotein E, and a significant increase in the intracellular levels of clusterin. This proinflammatory phenotype was not evident upon simultaneous exposure to hyperoxia and nitric oxide. These results suggest that exposure to nitric oxide in the setting of hyperoxia confers unrecognized beneficial effects by suppressing astrocytic inflammation.

Periocular ulcerative dermatitis associated with gentamicin ointment prophylaxis in newborns.

A recent shortage of erythromycin ointment has resulted in the use of alternative agents for newborn ocular infection prophylaxis in the United States. We report a series of 26 newborns in whom a characteristic periocular ulcerative dermatitis developed after gentamicin ointment administration at 2 Philadelphia hospitals.

The association between maternal body mass index and severity of neonatal illness in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy weight gain on neonatal illness severity in very low birth weight infants. METHODS: Cohort study of infants with birth weight less than 1500 g at a level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from July 2003 to July 2005, n = 301. The main outcome included neonatal illness severity, as measured by the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP). SNAP was investigated in relationship to maternal BMI and pregnancy weight gain. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, ANOVA and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: At delivery and pre-pregnancy, 49 and 54% of mothers were overweight, respectively. Black mothers were more likely to be overweight with less pregnancy weight gain compared with white mothers. After controlling for confounding variables, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy BMI and weight gain were not associated with neonatal illness. CONCLUSIONS: In our population of very low birth weight infants, maternal BMI was not associated with neonatal illness severity. Black mothers had higher pre-pregnancy BMI and less weight gain than white mothers. The significance of these differences needs further exploration.