Virtual simulations for neonatal education.

Virtual simulation (VS) education involves the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and screen-based platforms, collectively referred to as extended reality, to provide education and assessment. This novel simulation modality supports experiential learning and increases access to practice opportunities, supplementing manikin-based simulation. VS has been used successfully for neonatal resuscitation training in high and low resource settings. Virtual simulators can be used to objectively assess learner performance in neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skills. When implementing VS for neonatal resuscitation training, key considerations include matching learning objectives with suitable technology, pre-session preparation, supporting learners, and debriefing. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of VS applications on clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Telesimulation for neonatal resuscitation training.

Telesimulation uses telecommunication and simulation to educate and assess remote learners, obviating the need for instructors or learners to travel off site. Telesimulation increases access to and convenience of simulation-based education for sites that do not have formal simulation centers, including rural/remote areas. Telesimulation is feasible, improves knowledge and skills, and is favorably received by learners and instructors. In general, telesimulation has been shown to be effective for neonatal resuscitation training, even in low- and middle-income countries. Post telesimulation debriefing, termed teledebriefing, requires many of the skills of in-person debriefing, and teledebriefing can optimize learning by exposing learners to content experts in geographically distant sites or from specialties not available locally. When implementing telesimulation for neonatal resuscitation training, key considerations include program design, telecommunication platform, pre-telesimulation preparation, and teledebriefing. Additional research is needed to identify whether lessons learned during telesimulation translate to clinical practice and impact patient outcomes.

Quality Indices and Outcomes of a Neonatology Telerounding Program in a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Single-Center Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this program evaluation was to describe the outcomes of daily neonatologist telerounding with the onsite advanced practice provider (APP) in a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Bedside telerounding occurred with an onsite APP using a telehealth cart and paired Bluetooth stethoscope. Data collected by longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys and chart review before (May 2019-February 2020) and during (March 2020-February 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 258 patients were admitted to the Level II NICU before (May 2019-February 2020) and during (March 2020-February 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic characteristics and outcomes, including breastfeeding at discharge and length of stay were similar pre- and postonset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Postrounding surveys by 10 (response rate 83%) neonatologists indicated parents were present in 80 (77%) of rounds and video was at least somewhat helpful in 94% of cases. Cross-sectional survey responses of 23 neonatologists and APPs (response rate 62%) indicated satisfaction with the program. Common themes on qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses were "need for goodness of fit" and "another set of eyes" and "opportunities for use." CONCLUSION: Daily telerounding with neonatologists and APPs in a Level II NICU supported neonatal care. Quality metrics and clinical outcomes are described with no differences seen before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. KEY POINTS: · Little is known about Level II NICU quality metrics and outcomes.. · Daily bedside telerounding with neonatologists and APPs is described.. · Telerounding supported neonatal care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.. · Neonatologists found visual exam helpful in the majority of cases.. · No differences in NICU clinical outcomes were seen during the COVID-19 pandemic..

Neonatal Transport Safety Metrics and Adverse Event Reporting: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal transports are an essential component of regionalized medical systems. Neonates who are unstable after birth require transport to a higher level of care by neonatal transport teams. Data on adverse events on neonatal transports are limited. The aim of this study was to identify, evaluate, and summarize the findings of all relevant studies on adverse events on neonatal transports. METHODS: We identified 38 studies reporting adverse events on neonatal transports from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019. The adverse events were distributed into 5 categories: vital sign abnormalities, laboratory value abnormalities, equipment challenges, system challenges, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and transport-related mortality. RESULTS: Most of the evidence surrounds vital sign abnormalities during transport (n = 28 studies), with hypothermia as the most frequently reported abnormal vital sign. Fourteen studies addressed laboratory abnormalities, 12 reported on events related to equipment issues, and 4 reported on system issues that lead to adverse events on transport. Of the 38 included studies, 12 included mortality related to transport as an outcome, and 4 reported on cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transport. There were significant variations in samples, definitions of adverse events, and research quality. CONCLUSION: Adverse events during neonatal transport have been illuminated in various ways, with vital sign abnormalities most commonly explored in the literature. However, considerable variation in studies limits a clear understanding of the relative frequencies of each type of adverse event. The transport safety field would benefit from more efforts to standardize adverse event definitions, collect safety data prospectively, and pool data across larger care systems.

Evaluating the feasibility of a multicenter teleneonatology clinical effectiveness trial.

BACKGROUND: Our research consortium is preparing for a prospective multicenter trial evaluating the impact of teleneonatology on the health outcomes of at-risk neonates born in community hospitals. We completed a 6-month pilot study to determine the feasibility of the trial protocol. METHODS: Four neonatal intensive care units ("hubs") and four community hospitals ("spokes") participated in the pilot-forming four hub-spoke dyads. Two hub-spoke dyads implemented synchronous, audio-video telemedicine consultations with a neonatologist ("teleneonatology"). The primary outcome was a composite feasibility score that included one point for each of the following: site retention, on-time screening log completion, no eligibility errors, on-time data submission, and sponsor site-dyad meeting attendance (score range 0-5). RESULTS: For the 20 hub-spoke dyad months, the mean (range) composite feasibility score was 4.6 (4, 5). All sites were retained during the pilot. Ninety percent (18/20) of screening logs were completed on time. The eligibility error rate was 0.2% (3/1809). On-time data submission rate was 88.4% (84/95 case report forms). Eighty-five percent (17/20) of sponsor site-dyad meetings were attended by both hub and spoke site staff. CONCLUSIONS: A multicenter teleneonatology clinical effectiveness trial is feasible. Learnings from the pilot study may improve the likelihood of success of the main trial. IMPACT: A prospective, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the impact of teleneonatology on the early health outcomes of at-risk neonates born in community hospitals is feasible. A multidimensional composite feasibility score, which includes processes and procedures fundamental to completing a clinical trial, is useful for quantitatively measuring pilot study success. A pilot study allows the investigative team to test trial methods and materials to identify what works well or requires modification. Learnings from a pilot study may improve the quality and efficiency of the main effectiveness trial.

Neonatal Vital Sign Trajectories and Risk Factors During Transport Within a Regional Care Network.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize vital sign abnormalities, trajectories, and related risk factors during neonatal transport. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of neonates transported within a US regional care network in 2020 to 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic records. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify groups of neonates who followed distinct vital sign trajectories during transport. Patients with conditions likely to impact the assessed vital were excluded. Risk factors for trajectories were examined using modified Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Of the 620 neonates in the study, 92% had one abnormal systolic blood pressure (SBP) measure, approximately half had an abnormal heart rate (47%) or temperature (56%), and 28% had an abnormal oxygen saturation measure during transport. Over half (53%) were in a low and decreasing SBP trajectory, and 36% were in a high and increasing heart rate trajectory. Most infants ≤ 28 weeks postmenstrual age had 2 or more concerning vital sign trajectories during transport. CONCLUSION: Abnormal vital signs were common during neonatal transport, and potentially negative trajectories in heart rate and SBP were more common than temperature or oxygen saturation. Transport teams should be trained and equipped to detect concerning trends and respond appropriately while en route.

Evaluation of a Program to Reduce Infant Mortality Risk Factors in Central Indiana.

The purpose of the program WeCare was to provide a personalized approach to addressing the wide array of psycho-social-cultural-fiscal needs to reduce risk factors for infant mortality (IM) by supporting maternal and infant health through health coaching by community health workers (CHWs). A prospective cohort study of 1,513 women from highest risk ZIP codes for IM in central Indiana were followed over three years. The WeCare program focused on training and deploying CHWs to provide evidence-based, patient-centered social care and support to pregnant and postpartum women and tracked outcomes in health risk categories (mental health, nutrition, safe sleep, breastfeeding) targeted for behavioral change. The low birth weight rate among program participants was lower (8.9%) than Marion County's rate (10%) (p=0.23) with statistically significant improvement in many risk behaviors. Despite limitations, the personalized coaching provided by the CHWs provided an effective, practical approach to maternal and child health disparities.

Correction: [On Becoming a Global Citizen: Transformative Learning Through Global Health Experiences].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2017.07.005.].

Resuscitation Opportunities for Fellows of Very Low Birth Weight Infants in the Vermont Oxford Network.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) fellowship programs must provide adequate delivery room (DR) experience to ensure that physicians can independently provide neonatal resuscitation to very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The availability of learning opportunities is unknown. METHODS: The number of VLBW (≤1500 g) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) (<1000 g) deliveries, uses of continuous positive airway pressure, intubation, chest compressions, and epinephrine over 3 years at accredited civilian NPM fellowship program delivery hospitals were determined from the Vermont Oxford Network from 2012 to 2017. Using Poisson distributions, we estimated the expected probabilities of fellows experiencing a given number of cases over 3 years at each program. RESULTS: Of the 94 NPM fellowships, 86 programs with 115 delivery hospitals and 62 699 VLBW deliveries (28 703 ELBW) were included. During a 3-year fellowship, the mean number of deliveries per fellow ranged from 14 to 214 (median: 60) for VLBWs and 7 to 107 (median: 27) for ELBWs. One-half of fellows were expected to see ≤23 ELBW deliveries and 52 VLBW deliveries, 24 instances of continuous positive airway pressure, 23 intubations, 2 instances of chest compressions, and 1 treatment with epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: The number of opportunities available to fellows for managing VLBW and ELBW infants in the DR is highly variable among programs. Fellows' exposure to key, high-risk DR procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation is low at all programs. Fellowship programs should track fellow exposure to neonatal resuscitations in the DR and integrate supplemental learning opportunities. Given the low numbers, the number of new and existing NPM programs should be considered.

Evacuation of Vulnerable and Critical Patients: Multimodal Simulation for Nurse-Led Patient Evacuation.

INTRODUCTION: Virtual simulation (VS) is an adaptable medium for teaching critical disaster management skills such as efficient hospital evacuation. We aimed to compare VS and prerecorded narrated multimedia lecture-based training of pediatric nurses for evacuation of a sick newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric emergency department (ED) using live evacuation simulations. METHODS: Thirty neonatal intensive care unit and 30 ED nurses enrolled with 30 randomized to multimedia lecture and 30 randomized to VS, with equal block distribution of nurses from each unit. Pretraining/posttraining surveys were administered, and live evacuation simulations were scored for time to evacuation, items collected, and communication. RESULTS: Overall, disaster preparation and communication improved within the VS group as compared with the multimedia lecture group. Virtual simulation rated more immersive (P < 0.001), better at safety threat identification (P < 0.05), and better at evacuation preparation compared with multimedia lecture (P < 0.01). Virtual simulation participants felt more prepared in disaster response (P < 0.001) and patient evacuation (P < 0.001). Both groups packed equal essential items, but VS participants packed more equipment (mean, 19 vs. 15, P < 0.01) with no significant evacuation time difference between the VS group (145 ± 58 seconds) and multimedia lecture group (152 ± 59 seconds, P = not significant). Virtual simulation participants had better communication ratings with the charge nurse (P < 0.05) and family (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual simulation was well received by nurses compared with multimedia lecture and may be an effective adjunct for training nurses on infant patient evacuation during a disaster.

A targeted systematic review of cost analyses for implementation of simulation-based education in healthcare.

Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the use of simulation-based education for training healthcare providers in technical and non-technical skills. Simulation education and research programs have mostly focused on the impact on clinical knowledge and improvement of technical skills rather than on cost. To study and characterize existing evidence to inform multi-stakeholder investment decisions, we performed a systematic review of the literature on costs in simulation-based education in medicine in general and in neonatal resuscitation as a particular focus. We conducted a systematic literature search of the PubMed database using two targeted queries. The first searched for cost analyses of healthcare simulation-based education more broadly, and the second was more narrowly focused on cost analyses of neonatal resuscitation training. The more general query identified 47 qualified articles. The most common specialties for education interventions were surgery (51%); obstetrics, gynecology, or pediatrics (11%); medicine, nursing, or medical school (11%); and urology (9%), accounting for over 80% of articles. The neonatal resuscitation query identified five qualified articles. The two queries identified seven large-scale training implementation studies, one in the United States and six in low-income countries. There were two articles each from Tanzania and India and one article each from Zambia and Ghana. Methods, definitions, and reported estimates varied across articles, implying interpretation, comparison, and generalization of program effects are challenging. More work is needed to understand the costs, processes, and outcomes likely to make simulation-based education programs cost-effective and scalable. To optimize return on investments in training, assessing resource requirements, associated costs, and subsequent outcomes can inform stakeholders about the potential sustainability of SBE programs. Healthcare stakeholders and decision makers will benefit from more transparent, consistent, rigorous, and explicit assessments of simulation-based education program development and implementation costs in low- and high-income countries.

In-Hospital Telehealth Supports Care for Neonatal Patients in Strict Isolation.

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of "in-hospital" inpatient telemedicine within a children's referral hospital to facilitate inpatient care activities such as interprofessional rounding and the provision of supportive services such as lactation consultations to pediatric patients in strict isolation. To test the feasibility of in-hospital video telemedicine, a dedicated telemedicine device was set up in the patient's room. This device and the accompanying Bluetooth stethoscope were used by the health care team located just outside the room for inpatient rounding and consultations from supportive services. Video telemedicine facilitated inpatient care and interactions with support services, reducing the number of health care providers with potential exposure to infection and decreasing personal protective equipment use. In the setting of strict isolation for highly infectious viral illness, telemedicine can be used for inpatient care activities such as interprofessional rounding and provision of supportive services. KEY POINTS: · Telehealth supports patient care in isolation.. · Telehealth reduced health care provider exposures.. · Telehealth conserves personal protective equipment..

Team Stress and Adverse Events during Neonatal Tracheal Intubations: A Report from NEAR4NEOS.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between team stress level and adverse tracheal intubation (TI)-associated events during neonatal intubations. STUDY DESIGN: TIs from 10 academic neonatal intensive care units were analyzed. Team stress level was rated immediately after TI using a 7-point Likert scale (1 = high stress). Associations among team stress, adverse TI-associated events, and TI characteristics were evaluated. RESULT: In this study, 208 of 2,009 TIs (10%) had high stress levels (score < 4). Oxygenation failure, hemodynamic instability, and family presence were associated with high stress level. Video laryngoscopy and premedication were associated with lower stress levels. High stress level TIs were associated with adverse TI-associated event rates (31 vs. 16%, p < 0.001), which remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders including patient, provider, and practice factors associated with high stress (odds ratio: 1.90, 96% confidence interval: 1.36-2.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High team stress levels during TI were more frequently reported among TIs with adverse events.

Identifying Crucial Equipment and Skills Needed to Evacuate Critically Ill Infants During Disasters: Using Nursing Expertise to Guide Training Targets.

INTRODUCTION: Unexpected disasters, such as earthquakes or fires, require preparation to address knowledge gaps that may negatively affect vulnerable patients. Training programs can promote natural disaster readiness to respond and evacuate patients safely, but also require evidence-based information to guide learning objectives. PROBLEM: There is limited evidence on what skills and bedside equipment are most important to include in disaster training and evacuation programs for critically ill infants. METHODS: An expert panel was used to create a 13-item mastery checklist of skills for bedside registered nurses (RNs) required to successfully evacuate a critically ill infant. Expert nurses were surveyed, and the Angoff method was used to determine which of the mastery checklist skills a newly graduated nurse (ie, the "minimally competent" nurse) should be able to do. Participants then rated the importance of 26 commonly available pieces of bedside equipment for use in evacuating a hemodynamically unstable, intubated infant during a disaster. RESULTS: Twenty-three emergency department (ED) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) charge RNs responded to the survey with a mean of 19 (SD = 9) years of experience and 30% reporting personal experience with evacuating patients. The skills list scores showed an emphasis on the newly graduated nurse having more complete mastery of skills surrounding thermoregulation, documentation, infection control, respiratory support, and monitoring. Skills for communication, decision making, and anticipating future needs were assessed as less likely for a new nurse to have mastered. On a scale of one (not important) to seven (critically important), the perceived necessity of equipment ranged from a low of 1.6 (breast pump) to a high of 6.9 (face mask). The individual intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.55 showed moderate reliability between raters and the average team ICC of 0.97 showed excellent agreement as a group. CONCLUSION: Experts rated the ability to manage physiological issues, such as thermoregulation and respiratory support, as skills that every nurse should master. Disaster preparedness activities for nurses in training may benefit from checklists of essential equipment and skills to ensure all nurses can independently manage patients' physiologic needs when they enter the workforce. Advanced nursing training should include education on decision making, communication during emergencies, and anticipation of future issues to ensure that charge and resource nurses can support bedside nurses during evacuation events.

Effect of Video-based Telemedicine on Transport Management of Simulated Newborns.

OBJECTIVE: Video-based telemedicine is a reliable tool to assess the severity of respiratory distress in children, increasing the appropriateness of triage and disposition for acutely ill children. Telemedicine simulations may identify patterns in regional transport management and influence attitudes toward telemedicine. METHODS: The objective was to determine the effect of videos on simulated neonatal transport care compared with telephone management. Participants received information about a newborn requiring respiratory support by an audio recording and made management decisions based on only that information. Four videos of varying respiratory distress on respiratory support were then shown. After each video, participants again rated patient stability and recommended management. RESULTS: Sixteen neonatologists completed the cases. Compared with the telephone call, there were significant differences in ratings of patient stability and confidence in their assessment after watching the videos. When given the same information, participants were less likely to recommend intubation after viewing an infant in mild respiratory distress than after the telephone call (P < .05). Most participants felt that viewing the videos was helpful in formulating their assessment and plan. CONCLUSION: Video-based telemedicine simulations influenced the perceived stability of neonates during transport. Viewing the patient increased provider confidence in their assessment and recommendations.

The Practitioner's Guide to Global Health: an interactive, online, open-access curriculum preparing medical learners for global health experiences.

BACKGROUND: Short-term experiences in global health (STEGH) are increasingly common in medical education, as they can provide learners with opportunities for service, learning, and sharing perspectives. Academic institutions need high-quality preparatory curricula and mentorship to prepare learners for potential challenges in ethics, cultural sensitivity, and personal safety; however, availability and quality of these are variable. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to create and evaluate an open-access, interactive massive open online course (MOOC) that prepares learners to safely and effectively participate in STEGH, permits flexible and asynchronous learning, is free of charge, and provides a certificate upon successful completion. METHODS: Global health experts from 8 countries, 42 institutions, and 7 specialties collaborated to create The Practitioner's Guide to Global Health (PGGH): the first course of this kind on the edX platform. Demographic data, pre- and posttests, and course evaluations were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Within its first year, PGGH enrolled 5935 learners from 163 countries. In a limited sample of 109 learners, mean posttest scores were significantly improved (p < 0.01). In the course's second year, 213 sampled learners had significant improvement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We created and evaluated the first interactive, asynchronous, free-of-charge global health preparation MOOC. The course has had significant interest from US-based and international learners, and posttest scores have shown significant improvement.

Use and perceived safety of stylets for neonatal endotracheal intubation: a national survey.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use and perceived safety of stylets for neonatal intubation in a cohort of providers in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. RESULT: A total of 640 responses were received. 57% reported using a stylet 'every time' or 'almost every time' they intubated. The preferred stylet bend was a smooth bend of <30 degrees. 71% of respondents believed that stylets were safe. Reported complications from stylet use included tube dislodgement during stylet removal (32%), airway injury with bleeding (9%), and tracheal perforation (2%). CONCLUSION: Stylet use was common. There was fair consistency on preference for stylet bend and position. Stylet use was believed to be safe, but complications were observed by many respondents. Additional studies are needed to examine the risks and benefits of stylet use during neonatal intubation.