Irish medical journal
-
Irish medical journal · Mar 1998
Dissemination and evaluation of AAP/AHA Neonatal Resuscitation Programme in Ireland.
We evaluated the need for a structured Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP) by means of a questionnaire sent to 25 Irish maternity hospitals inquiring about staff availability and current teaching structures. Having taught NRP to almost 1000 health care providers, we present a descriptive evaluation of the programme by a sample of 429 NRP participants, exploring their opinions of NRP. Our results show that midwives were responsible for newborn resuscitation at all low risk deliveries. ⋯ Two thirds of participants found the lesson on medications the most difficult theory lesson, while 45% found endotracheal intubation the most difficult skills station. Because of the wide geographical distribution of deliveries in this country, we conclude that all perinatal professionals should be trained to perform newborn resuscitation in a coordinated, team-approach manner. NRP provides such training with a high degree of approval from Irish health care providers.