Factors Associated to the Knowledge of Cardiac Arrest by Health Professionals

Abstract Background: Knowledge of cardiac arrest by health professionals is associated with sociodemographic, occupational and training characteristics. Objectives: To evaluate the factors associated with the knowledge of health professionals on Cardiac Arrest. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in a large public hospital in the countryside of Bahia - Brazil. The sample consisted of 18 doctors, 32 nurses and 50 nursing technicians. To evaluate the knowledge of the professionals, a questionnaire was constructed according to the current guidelines for resuscitation of the American Heart Association of 2015, and after that, it was submitted to three judges with expertise in PCR to verify content validity. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics with univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses using the logistic regression model. A value of p < 0.05 was adopted as level of significance. Results: The prevalence of insufficient knowledge of cardiac arrest among health professionals was 78%. After logistic regression, belonging to the professional category of nursing technician (p = 0.003) and nurse (p = 0.001) and working in the form of on-call duty for 24h (p = 0.005) was associated to insufficient knowledge. Conclusions: Insufficient knowledge of cardiac arrest among health professionals is high, which is a problem that requires urgent interventions in order to guarantee the quality of care. These actions should be based on realistic scenarios involving theoretical and practical activities. The periodicity of training should be short, given the deterioration of knowledge. The creation and validation of the data collection instrument allows for its applicability in other studies.

Opinions of Brazilian resuscitation instructors regarding resuscitation in the delivery room of extremely preterm newborns / Opiniões dos instrutores de reanimação brasileiros quanto à reanimação em sala de parto de em recém-nascidos pré-termo extremos

Abstract Objective: To describe the opinions of pediatricians who teach resuscitation in Brazil on initiating and limiting the delivery room resuscitation of extremely preterm infants. Method: Cross-sectional study with electronic questionnaire (Dec/2011-Sep/2013) sent to pediatricians who are instructors of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, containing three hypothetical clinical cases: (1) decision to start the delivery room resuscitation; (2) limitation of neonatal intensive care after delivery room resuscitation; (3) limitation of advanced resuscitation in the delivery room. For each case, it was requested that the instructor indicate the best management for each gestational age between 23 and 26 weeks. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: 560 (82%) instructors agreed to participate. Only 9% of the instructors reported the existence of written guidelines at their hospital regarding limitations of delivery room resuscitation. At 23 weeks, 50% of the instructors would initiate delivery room resuscitation procedures. At 26 weeks, 2% would decide based on birth weight and/or presence of fused eyelids. Among the participants, 38% would re-evaluate their delivery room decision and limit the care for 23-week neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. As for advanced resuscitation, 45% and 4% of the respondents, at 23 and 26 weeks, respectively, would not apply chest compressions and/or medications. Conclusion: Difficulty can be observed regarding the decision to not resuscitate a preterm infant with 23 weeks of gestational age. At the same time, a small percentage of pediatricians would not resuscitate neonates of unquestionable viability at 26 weeks of gestational age in the delivery room.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever opiniões dos pediatras que ensinam reanimação no Brasil a respeito de iniciar e limitar a reanimação em sala de parto de neonatos pré-termo extremos. Método: Estudo transversal com questionário eletrônico (dez/11-set/13) enviado aos instrutores do Programa de Reanimação Neonatal da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria com três casos clínicos hipotéticos: 1) decisão de iniciar ou não a reanimação; 2) limitação ou não dos cuidados intensivos após a reanimação em sala de parto; 3) limitação ou não da reanimação avançada em sala de parto. Para cada caso foi solicitada a indicação da conduta para cada idade gestacional entre 23-26 semanas. A análise foi descritiva por meio da frequência das respostas. Resultados: Consentiram em participar 560 (82%) instrutores. Apenas 9% afirmaram existir em seu hospital norma escrita sobre quando não iniciar a reanimação em sala de parto. Com 23 semanas, 50% dos instrutores fariam a reanimação em sala de parto e com 26 semanas 2% baseariam sua decisão no peso ao nascer e/ou na abertura da fenda palpebral. Dos entrevistados, 38% reavaliariam sua decisão e limitariam o cuidado na UTI a medidas de conforto para nascidos de 23 semanas reanimados na sala de parto. Quanto aos procedimentos de reanimação avançada, 45% e 4% com 23 e 26 semanas, respectivamente, não indicariam tais manobras. Conclusão: Observa-se dificuldade na opção de não reanimar neonatos com 23 semanas de gestação e, ao mesmo tempo, um pequeno percentual de pediatras não reanima, na sala de parto, neonatos cuja viabilidade não é questionada (26 semanas).

Material and human resources for neonatal resuscitation in public maternity hospitals in Brazilian state capitals / Recursos materiais e humanos para a reanimação neonatal nas maternidades públicas das capitais brasileiras

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: In 2002, the early neonatal mortality rate in Brazil was 12.42 per thousand live births. Perinatal asphyxia was the greatest cause of neonatal death (about 23 percent). This study aimed to evaluate the availability of the resources required for neonatal resuscitation in delivery rooms of public hospitals in Brazilian state capitals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Multicenter cross-sectional study involving 36 hospitals in 20 Brazilian state capitals in June 2003. METHODS: Each Brazilian region was represented by 1-4 percent of its live births. A local coordinator collected data regarding physical infrastructure, supplies and professionals available for neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room. The information was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 10. RESULTS: Among the 36 hospitals, 89 percent were referral centers for high-risk pregnancies. Each institution had a monthly mean of 365 live births (3 percent < 1,500 g and 15 percent < 2,500 g). The 36 hospitals had 125 resuscitation tables (3-4 per hospital), all with overhead radiant heat, oxygen and vacuum sources. Appropriate equipment for pulmonary ventilation was available for more than 90 percent of the 125 resuscitation tables. On average, one pediatrician, three nurses and five nursing assistants per shift worked in the delivery rooms of each institution. Out of the 874 pediatricians and 1,037 nursing personnel that worked in the delivery rooms of the 36 hospitals, 94 percent and 22 percent, respectively, were trained in neonatal resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: The main public maternity hospitals in Brazilian state capitals have the resources to resuscitate neonates at birth.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Em 2002, a mortalidade neonatal precoce brasileira foi 12,42 para cada mil nascidos vivos e a asfixia perinatal foi responsável por 23 por cento dessas mortes. Este estudo visa avaliar a disponibilidade dos recursos necessários para a reanimação neonatal nas salas de parto de hospitais públicos brasileiros. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal multicêntrico de 36 maternidades, em 20 capitais brasileiras, em junho de 2003. MÉTODOS: As maternidades selecionadas em cada região brasileira representaram 1-4 por cento dos nascidos vivos da região. O coordenador local da pesquisa respondeu a um questionário estruturado com dados a respeito da estrutura física, os equipamentos e o pessoal disponível para a reanimação neonatal em cada maternidade. A análise descritiva foi feita por meio do programa Statistical Package for Social Science 10.0. RESULTADOS: 89 por cento das 36 maternidades eram referência para gestação de risco. Cada hospital tinha um número médio mensal de 365 nascimentos (3 por cento < 1.500 g e 15 por cento < 2.500 g). Os 36 hospitais tinham 125 mesas de reanimação (3-4/hospital), todas com calor radiante, fonte de oxigênio e vácuo. Equipamento adequado para ventilação pulmonar estava disponível em mais de 90 por cento das 125 mesas. Em média, um pediatra, três enfermeiras e cinco auxiliares de enfermagem trabalhavam por turno nas salas de parto de cada instituição. Dos 874 pediatras e 1.037 profissionais de enfermagem que atuavam nas salas de parto, 94 por cento e 22 por cento haviam recebido treinamento em reanimação neonatal respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: As maternidades públicas das capitais brasileiras apresentam salas de parto com infra-estrutura adequada para a reanimação neonatal.

Do our newly graduated medical doctors have adequate knowledge about neonatal resuscitation?

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Neonatal resuscitation should be part of medical school curriculums. We aimed to evaluate medical school graduates' knowledge of neonatal resuscitation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on the performance of candidates sitting a medical residency exam at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, in 2004. METHODS: There were two questions on neonatal resuscitation. One question in the theory test aimed at evaluating basic knowledge on the initial approach towards newly born infants. The question in the practical exam was designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to perform the initial steps of resuscitation and to establish bag-mask ventilation. RESULTS: Out of 642 candidates from 74 medical schools, 151 (23.5 percent) answered the theory question correctly. Significantly more physicians from public medical schools in the State of São Paulo answered correctly than did those from other schools in Brazil (52.5 percent versus 9.2 percent; p < 0.05). A total of 436 candidates did the practical exam. The grades among graduates from medical schools belonging to the State of São Paulo were significantly higher than among those from other schools (5.9 ± 2.6 versus 4.1 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). The grades for the practical question among candidates who had answered the theory question correctly were significantly higher than those obtained by candidates who had given wrong answers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Medical school graduates' knowledge of neonate resuscitation in the delivery room is quite precarious. Emphasis on neonatal resuscitation training is urgently needed in medical schools.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A reanimação neonatal deveria fazer parte do curriculum médico. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os conhecimentos básicos sobre reanimação neonatal de egressos de faculdades de medicina. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal do desempenho dos candidatos que participaram do concurso para residência médica no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo em 2004. MÉTODOS: O exame tinha duas questões: uma teórica, com o objetivo de avaliar o conhecimento dos primeiros passos da recepção e uma prova prática, que pretendia avaliar a habilidade do candidato em executar os primeiros passos da ressuscitação e a ventilação com bolsa e máscara. RESULTADOS: Dos 642 candidatos provenientes de 74 faculdades, 151 (23,5 por cento) acertaram a questão teórica. A taxa de acerto foi significativamente maior entre os egressos das escolas médicas públicas do Estado de São Paulo quando comparadas com as demais escolas do Brasil (52,5 por cento versus 9,2 por cento, p < 0,05). Realizaram a prova prática 436 candidatos. As notas dos egressos das escolas estaduais de São Paulo foram significativamente maiores do que as notas dos egressos das demais faculdades (5,9 ± 2,6 versus 4,1 ± 2,1, p < 0,001). As notas obtidas no exame prático pelos alunos que acertaram a questão teórica foram significativamente maiores do que as notas obtidas pelos alunos que erraram (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento dos egressos das escolas médicas sobre o atendimento ao recém-nascido na sala de parto é muito precário, existindo, portanto, a premente necessidade de que seja dada maior ênfase ao ensino da reanimação neonatal durante a graduação em medicina.

Ensino da reanimação neonatal em maternidades públicas das capitais brasileiras / Teaching neonatal resuscitation at public hospitals in Brazilian state capitals

OBJETIVO: Analisar o ensino da reanimação neonatal para médicos e enfermeiros em formação e para residentes em pediatria e neonatologia em maternidades públicas brasileiras. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal multicêntrico, realizado em 36 maternidades de 20 capitais brasileiras em junho de 2003. O coordenador local preencheu questionário com dados referentes à realização de ensino específico da reanimação neonatal e atuação em sala de parto de alunos de Medicina e de Enfermagem, residentes de Pediatria e de Neonatologia. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva. RESULTADOS: Das 36 maternidades, 23 recebiam alunos de Medicina: em 13, eles atuavam na sala de parto; 12 ofereciam ensino específico da reanimação e, em duas das 13 maternidades com internos atuando na sala de parto, não era oferecido treinamento em reanimação. Das 36 maternidades, 23 recebiam alunos de Enfermagem: em oito, os alunos atuavam na sala de parto. Apenas uma oferecia ensino, e nas outras sete não havia qualquer treinamento. Das 36 maternidades, 27 tinham residentes de Pediatria, que atuavam na sala de parto e recebiam treinamento em reanimação neonatal (teórico com 2-3 horas em quatro maternidades e teórico-prático com 4-64 horas em 23). Das 36 maternidades, 15 recebiam residentes em Neonatologia, que atuavam na sala de parto e recebiam treinamento em reanimação neonatal (teórico de 2 horas em uma e teórico-prático com 3-68 horas em 14). CONCLUSAO: O ensino de reanimação por meio de cursos formais é insuficiente para os alunos de graduação em Medicina e Enfermagem e heterogêneo para os residentes em Pediatria e em Neonatologia.

Obstetrics in Iraq between reality and hopes for the future

The science of obstetrics had far advanced during the 20[th] century in terms of decreasing maternal mortality rates [MMR] and perintatal mortality rates [PN MR]. This was at the expense of increasing cesarean section rates. Nevertheless when cesarean section rates exceeded 25% during the eighties of last century people started to think why and started working to decrease this level. In Iraq we have increasing rates of C.S [C.S.R] in addition to high maternal and perinatal mortality rates. We have to ask ourselves why and what is wrong with our obstetric practice.To summarize: 1- Labor rooms in major obstetric hospitals lack facilities for observation and follow up of high risk pregnancies and deliveries like cardiotochographs and fetal PH estimation devices rendering these rooms similar to what a home birth attendant has gloves, 20[th] century sonicaid. 2- The Ex-system that used to pay the obstetrician for cesarean section and not for vaginal birth, that led many obstetricians to harvest cesarean section from labor rooms. 3- Senior house officers spend their first year of training in rural hospitals, which have no facilities to learn scientific obstetrics. 4- Lack of evaluation of residents in obstetrics and poor economic states that led many of them to seek other jobs to improve their income. 5- Lack of training programs in obstetric emergencies and neonatal resuscitation and many residents are faced with these emergencies [Live] in the labor room for the first time. 6- Home birth attendants interfere and exceed their limitation like early rupturing of membranes before labor and oxytocin injection. 7- Private hospitals again have the same facilities of government hospitals [gloves, sonicaid and cesarean section]. Now what are the suggested solutions? 1-Improve labor room facilities in major central hospitals in Baghdad and governorates and until then senior house officers should not waste their first year of training residency in rural hospitals. One can benefit from services of doctors serving their obligatory rural areas to run these labor rooms until improvement of these rural hospitals. 2- Allow a system of overlap between first and second year residents in obstetrics in central hospitals so as not leave a gap where no resident is present in hospitals. 3-Try to decrease cesarean section rates by first counting the total rate then correct the rate against non- preventable sections point out cases where one can decrease the rate through them and discuss these cases through peer review. Count cesarean section rates for every senior obstetrician. 4-Establish training programs for obstetric risk assessment and emergency management which should be obligatory to all those training and practicing obstetrics and put these programs under testing in terms of decreasing PN MR and MMR. 5- Rules should be put and strictly applied to manage home- birth- attendants who exceed their limitations and make complications in terms of morbidity and mortality

Spinal Injuries at the University Hospital of the West Indies

Acute spinal damage forms a small percentage of total trauma injury but it has tremendous significance because of the resultant disability, poor prognosis, economic and social cost and the burden on victims, family, taxpayers and health workers. Of fifty-five patients admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Mona, Jamaica, over a seven-year period, forty form the basis of this report. Young males accounted for most victims and 85 percent of the injuries were non-intentional. The cervical spine, most commonly C6, was the region most frequently injured, followed by the lumbar and the thoracic regions. On admission, the mean Glasgow Coma Score was 14.6 and the mean Modified Injury Severity Score 12.7. Five patients were admitted in Frankel Grade A, complete paraplegia. Of eighteen patients treated with steroids, only eleven had methylprednisolone and only six of these appropriately. Nine patients had surgery after a mean time of 10.1 days. The average length of hospital stay was 18.2 days. Of 35 patients whose outcomes were known, eleven improved; two patients died in hospital. With the modernisation of the management of this condition, we recommend that attention be focused on prevention, pre-hospital immobilisation and transport, prompt resuscitation, the standardisation of written protocols and early operative intervention. Also essential is the continuing medical education of all levels of personnel and the formalisation of a well-coordinated and rehearsed Spine team.

Training of final year MBBS students in neonatal resuscitation.

Sixty final year MBBS students were trained in the art of neonatal resuscitation based on the 'NALS' course material. The students scored 11.6 +/- 3.02 in the pretest and 17.85 +/- 4.42 (out of 20) in the post-test. The trainees felt that the programme was extremely useful. Majority of them said that the course content was optimum with appropriate use of teaching-learning media. It is recommended that this training may be imparted to all the undergraduate students at the entry of final year MBBS course before their labor room posting so that they can have effective reinforcement of the training.