A new device (cicogna) for transferring the neonate in the delivery room setting: a randomised, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a new system ('cicogna') for transferring the neonates into the delivery room setting. Our aim was to compare the 'cicogna' system and the conventional method (plastic basin) with regard to the time needed to transfer the neonate from the operating table to the radiant warmer; and to evaluate the degree of approval for the 'cicogna' expressed by the midwives. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective, randomised, controlled trial including 100 infants (gestational age > or =34 weeks), we measured the time elapsed from the umbilical cord clamping to the positioning of the neonate under the radiant warmer using the 'cicogna' system or the conventional method. Midwives involved in the study were asked to fill out a final, written evaluation regarding the feasibility and the safety of the devices. RESULTS: The time elapsed from the cord clamping to the positioning of the infant under the radiant warmer was significantly shorter for infants who were managed with the 'cicogna' system compared with infants who received standard care: 18.7 +/- 5.6 s vs. 24.5 +/- 9.0 s (p < 0.001). In the evaluation forms, 19 out of 20 midwives (95%) evaluated the 'cicogna' as good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the conventional method, 'cicogna' decreased the time needed to transfer the neonate into delivery room setting and received a high degree of approval by personnel involved in neonatal care. It appears to be a feasible and safe method for transferring the neonate in the setting of the delivery room.

Knowledge gained by pediatric residents after neonatal resuscitation program courses.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) courses was previously evaluated, demonstrating good retention of knowledge in the participants. However, there is a lack of information regarding the participants' performance in relation to the different steps of neonatal resuscitation. We aimed to assess the knowledge gained and retained by pediatric residents who participated in a NRP course in relation to the different steps. METHODS: An 80-item questionnaire derived from the standard test contained in the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Manual was given to 25 pediatric residents before, immediately after and 6 months after the course. RESULTS: The percentages of correct answers significantly improved from before (37.6 +/- 3.1%) to immediately after the course (94.1 +/- 0.9%) (P < 0.001). The percentages at the 6 months follow-up test (62.7 +/- 2.2%) significantly decreased from posttest (P < 0.001), but remained significantly higher with respect to pretest performance (P < 0.001). The percentages of correct answers were different among the four neonatal resuscitation steps during the entire study (pretest, posttest and follow-up test). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge gained by pediatric residents participating in the NRP course was very high, but was only partially retained over time. In particular, it was different among the four steps of neonatal resuscitation suggesting further studies on teaching resuscitation.