Survey of UK newborn resuscitation practices

Early origins of respiratory disease

Chronic respiratory morbidity is unfortunately common in childhood, particularly in those born very prematurely or with congenital anomalies affecting pulmonary development and those with sickle cell disease. Our research group, therefore, has focused on the early origins of chronic respiratory disease. This has included assessing antenatal diagnostic techniques and potentially therapeutic interventions in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Undertaking physiological studies, we have increased the understanding of the premature baby's response to resuscitation and evaluated interventions in the delivery suite. Mechanical ventilation modes have been optimised and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with short- and long-term outcomes undertaken. Our studies highlighted respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and other respiratory viral LRTIs had an adverse impact on respiratory outcomes of prematurely born infants, who we demonstrated have a functional and genetic predisposition to respiratory viral LRTIs. We have described the long-term respiratory outcomes for children with sickle cell disease and importantly identified influencing factors. In conclusion, it is essential to undertake long term follow up of infants at high risk of chronic respiratory morbidity if effective preventative strategies are to be developed.

Devices for Administering Ventilation at Birth: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is the most important intervention during neonatal resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare T-piece resuscitators (TPRs), self-inflating bags (SIBs), and flow-inflating bags for newborns receiving PPV during delivery room resuscitation.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and trial registries (inception to December 2020).

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized, quasi-randomized, interrupted time series, controlled before-and-after, and cohort studies were included without language restrictions.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two researchers independently extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and evaluated the certainty of evidence. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. When appropriate, data were pooled by using fixed-effect models.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials (1247 patients) revealed no significant difference between TPR and SIB for in-hospital mortality (risk ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40 to 1.34). Resuscitation with a TPR resulted in a shorter duration of PPV (mean difference -19.8 seconds; 95% CI -27.7 to -12.0 seconds) and lower risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (risk ratio 0.64; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.95; number needed to treat 32). No differences in clinically relevant outcomes were found in 2 randomized controlled trials used to compare SIBs with and without positive end-expiratory pressure valves. No studies used to evaluate flow-inflating bags were found.

LIMITATIONS

Certainty of evidence was very low or low for most outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Resuscitation with a TPR compared with an SIB reduces the duration of PPV and risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A strong recommendation cannot be made because of the low certainty of evidence. There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of positive end-expiratory pressure valves when used with SIBs.

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Newborn Resuscitation Around Term: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

International guidelines for resuscitation recommend using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during ventilation of preterm newborns. Reliable PEEP-valves for self-inflating bags have been lacking, and effects of PEEP during resuscitation of term newborns are insufficiently studied. The objective was to determine if adding a new PEEP valve to the bag-mask during resuscitation of term and near-term newborns could improve heart rate response.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was performed at Haydom Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania (September 2016 to June 2018). Helping Babies Breathe-trained midwives performed newborn resuscitation using self-inflating bags with or without a new, integrated PEEP valve. All live-born newborns who received bag-mask ventilation at birth were eligible. Heart rate response measured by ECG was the primary outcome, and clinical outcome and ventilation data were recorded.

RESULTS

Among 417 included newborns (median birth weight 3200 g), 206 were ventilated without and 211 with PEEP. We found no difference in heart rate response. Median (interquartile range) measured PEEP in the PEEP group was 4.7 (2.0-5.6) millibar. The PEEP group received lower tidal volumes (4.9 [1.9-8.2] vs 6.3 [3.9-10.5] mL/kg; P = .02) and had borderline lower expired CO₂ (2.9 [1.5-4.3] vs 3.3 [1.9-5.0] %; P = .05). Twenty four-hour mortality was 9% in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence for improved heart rate response during bag-mask ventilation with PEEP compared with no PEEP. The PEEP valve delivered a median PEEP within the intended range. The findings do not support routine use of PEEP during resuscitation of newborns around term.

Tidal volume monitoring during initial resuscitation of extremely prematurely born infants

Background Airway obstruction can occur during facemask (FM) resuscitation of preterm infants at birth. Intubation bypasses any upper airway obstruction. Thus, it would be expected that the occurrence of low expiratory tidal volumes (VTes) would be less in infants resuscitated via an endotracheal tube (ETT) rather than via an FM. Our aim was to test this hypothesis. Methods Analysis was undertaken of respiratory function monitoring traces made during initial resuscitation in the delivery suite to determine the peak inflating pressure (PIP), positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), the VTe and maximum exhaled carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels and the number of inflations with a low VTe (less than 2.2 mL/kg). Results Eighteen infants were resuscitated via an ETT and 11 via an FM, all born at less than 29 weeks of gestation. Similar inflation pressures were used in both groups (17.2 vs. 18.8 cmH2O, P = 0.67). The proportion of infants with a low median VTe (P = 0.6) and the proportion of inflations with a low VTe were similar in the groups (P = 0.10), as was the lung compliance (P = 0.67). Infants with the lowest VTe had the stiffest lungs (P < 0.001). Conclusion Respiratory function monitoring during initial resuscitation can objectively identify infants who may require escalation of inflation pressures.

UK neonatal resuscitation survey

BACKGROUND

Previous surveys have demonstrated that neonatal resuscitation practices on the delivery suite vary between UK units, particularly according to the hospital's neonatal unit's level. Our aim was to determine if recent changes to the Resuscitation Council guidelines had influenced clinical practice.

METHODS

Surveys of resuscitation practices at UK delivery units carried out in 2012 and 2017 were compared.

RESULTS

Comparing 2017 with 2012, initial resuscitation using air was more commonly used in both term (98% vs 75%, p<0.001) and preterm (84% vs 34%, p<0.001) born infants. Exhaled carbon dioxide monitoring was more frequently employed in 2017 (84% vs 19%, p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in practices according to the level of neonatal care provided by the hospital.

CONCLUSION

There have been significant changes in neonatal resuscitation practices in the delivery suite since 2012 regardless of the different levels of neonatal care offered.

Detection of exhaled carbon dioxide following intubation during resuscitation at delivery

OBJECTIVES

End tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) monitoring can facilitate identification of successful intubation. The aims of this study were to determine the time to detect ETCO₂ following intubation during resuscitation of infants born prematurely and whether it differed according to maturity at birth or the Apgar scores (as a measure of the infant's condition after birth).

DESIGN

Analysis of recordings of respiratory function monitoring.

SETTING

Two tertiary perinatal centres.

PATIENTS

Sixty-four infants, with median gestational age of 27 (range 23-34)weeks.

INTERVENTIONS

Respiratory function monitoring during resuscitation in the delivery suite.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The time following intubation for ETCO₂ levels to be initially detected and to reach 4 mm Hg and 15 mm Hg.

RESULTS

The median time for initial detection of ETCO₂ following intubation was 3.7 (range 0-44) s, which was significantly shorter than the median time for ETCO₂ to reach 4 mm Hg (5.3 (range 0-727) s) and to reach 15 mm Hg (8.1 (range 0-827) s) (both P<0.001). There were significant correlations between the time for ETCO₂ to reach 4 mm Hg (r=-0.44, P>0.001) and 15 mm Hg (r=-0.48, P<0.001) and gestational age but not with the Apgar scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The time for ETCO₂ to be detected following intubation in the delivery suite is variable emphasising the importance of using clinical indicators to assess correct endotracheal tube position in addition to ETCO₂ monitoring. Capnography is likely to detect ETCO₂ faster than colorimetric devices.

T-piece resuscitators: how do they compare?

BACKGROUND

The T-piece resuscitator (TPR) has seen increased use as a primary resuscitation device with newborns. Traditional TPR design uses a high resistance expiratory valve to produce positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at resuscitation. A new TPR device that uses a dual flow ratio valve (fluidic flip) to produce PEEP/CPAP is now available (rPAP). We aimed to compare the measured ventilation performance of different TPR devices in a controlled bench test study.

DESIGN/METHODS

Single operator provided positive pressure ventilation to an incremental testlung compliance (Crs) model (0.5-5 mL/cmH₂O) with five different brands of TPR device (Atom, Neopuff, rPAP, GE Panda warmer and Draeger Resuscitaire). At recommended peak inflation pressure (PIP) 20 cmH₂O, PEEP of 5 cmH₂O and rate of 60 inflations per minute.

RESULTS

1864 inflations were analysed. Four of the five devices tested demonstrated inadvertent elevations in mean PEEP (5.5-10.3 cmH₂O, p<0.001) from set value as Crs was increased, while one device (rPAP) remained at the set value. Measured PIP exceeded the set value in two infant warmer devices (GE and Draeger) with inbuilt TPR at Crs of 0.5 (24.5 and 23.5 cmH₂O, p<0.001). Significant differences were seen in tidal volumes across devices particularly at higher Crs (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results show important variation in delivered ventilation from set values due to inherent TPR device design characteristics with a range of lung compliances expected at birth. Device-generated inadvertent PEEP and overdelivery of PIP may be clinically deleterious for term and preterm newborns or infants with larger Crs during resuscitation.

Sustained inflations during delivery suite stabilisation in prematurely-born infants - A randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Sustained inflations at initial stabilisation in the delivery suite may reduce the need for intubation and result in a shorter duration of initial ventilation, but have not been compared to routine UK practice.

AIMS

To compare the early efficacy of sustained inflation during stabilisation after delivery to UK practice.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomised trial was performed of a fifteen second sustained inflation compared to five inflations lasting 2 to 3 s, each intervention could be repeated once if no chest rise was apparent. Respiratory function monitoring was undertaken.

SUBJECTS

Infants born prior to 34 weeks of gestation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The minute volume and maximum end-tidal carbon dioxide level in the first minute after the interventions, the time to the first spontaneous breath after the beginning of stabilisation and the duration of ventilation in the first 48 h.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the minute volume or maximum end tidal carbon dioxide level between the groups. Infants in the sustained inflation group made a respiratory effort sooner (median 3.5 (range 0.2-59) versus median 12.8 (range 0.4-119) s, p = 0.001). The sustained inflation group were ventilated for a shorter duration in the first 48 h (median 17 (range 0-48) versus median 32.5 (range 0-48) h, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

A sustained inflation of 15 s compared to five two to three second inflations during initial stabilisation was associated with a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation in the first 48 h after birth.

Delivery of positive end-expiratory pressure to preterm lambs using common resuscitation devices

BACKGROUND

In neonatal resuscitation, a ventilation device providing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is recommended. There is limited information about PEEP delivery in vivo, using different models of self-inflating bag (SIB) at different inflation rates and PEEP settings.

METHODS

We compared PEEP delivery to intubated preterm lambs using four commonly available models of paired SIBs and PEEP valves, with a T-piece, with gas flow of 8 L/min. Peak inspiratory pressure inflations of 30 cmH₂O, combined with set PEEP of 5, 7 and 10 cmH₂O, were delivered at rates of 20, 40 and 60/min. These combinations were repeated without gas flow. We measured mean PEEP, maximum and minimum PEEP, and its difference (PEEP reduction).

RESULTS

A total of 3288 inflations were analysed. The mean PEEP delivered by all SIBs was lower than set PEEP (P<0.001), although some differences were <0.5 cmH₂O. In 55% of combinations, the presence of gas flow resulted in increased PEEP delivery (range difference 0.3-2 cmH₂O). The mean PEEP was closer to set PEEP with faster inflation rates and higher set PEEPs. The mean (SD) PEEP reduction was 3.9 (1.6), 8.2 (1.8), 2 (0.6) and 1.1 (0.6) cmH₂O with the four SIBs, whereas it was 0.5 (0.2) cmH₂O with the T-piece.

CONCLUSIONS

PEEP delivery with SIBs depends on the set PEEP, inflation rate, device model and gas flow. At recommended inflation rates of 60/min, some devices can deliver PEEP close to the set level, although the reduction in PEEP makes some SIBs potentially less effective for lung recruitment than a T-piece.

Can Ambu self-inflating bag and Neopuff infant resuscitator provide adequate and safe manual inflations for infants up to 10 kg weight?

BACKGROUND

Manual resuscitation devices for infants and newborns must be able to provide adequate ventilation in a safe and consistent manner across a wide range of patient sizes (0.5-10 kg) and differing clinical states. There are little comparative data assessing biomechanical performance of common infant manual resuscitation devices across the manufacturers' recommended operating weight ranges. We aimed to compare performance of the Ambu self-inflating bag (SIB) with the Neopuff T-piece resuscitator in three resuscitation models.

METHODS

Five experienced clinicians delivered targeted ventilation to three lung models differing in compliance, delivery pressures and inflation rates; Preterm (0.5 mL/cmH₂O, 25/5 cmH₂O, 60 per minute), Term (3 mL/cmH₂O, 30/5 cmH₂O, 40 per minute) and Infant (9 mL/cmH₂O, 35/5 cmH₂O, 30 per minute). The Neopuff was examined with three gas inflow rates (5 litres per minute (LPM), 10 LPM and 15 LPM) and the Ambu with no gas inflow.

RESULTS

3309 inflations were collected and analysed with analysis of variance for repeated measures. The Neopuff was unable to reach set peak inflation pressures and exhibited seriously elevated positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) with all inflow gas rates (p<0.001) in this infant model. The Ambu SIB accurately delivered targeted pressures in all three models.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ambu SIB was able to accurately deliver targeted pressures across all three models from preterm to infant. The Neopuff infant resuscitator was unable to deliver the targeted pressures in the infant model developing clinically significant levels of inadvertent PEEP which may pose risk during infant resuscitation.

Neopuff T-piece resuscitator: does device design affect delivered ventilation?

BACKGROUND

The T-piece resuscitator (TPR) is in common use worldwide to deliver positive pressure ventilation during resuscitation of infants <10 kg. Ease of use, ability to provide positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), availability of devices inbuilt into resuscitaires and cheaper disposable options have increased its popularity as a first-line device for term infant resuscitation. Research into its ventilation performance is limited to preterm infant and animal studies. Efficacy of providing PEEP and the use of TPR during term infant resuscitation are not established.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine if delivered ventilation with the Neopuff brand TPR varied with differing (preterm to term) test lung compliances (Crs) and set peak inspiratory pressures (PIP).

DESIGN

A single operator experienced in newborn resuscitation provided positive pressure ventilation in a randomised sequence to three different Crs models (0.5, 1 and 3 mL/cmH₂O) at three different set PIP (20, 30 and 40 cmH₂O). Set PEEP (5 cmH₂O), gas flow rate and inflation rate were the same for each sequence.

RESULTS

A total of 1087 inflations were analysed. The delivered mean PEEP was Crs dependent across set PIP range, rising from 4.9 to 8.2 cmH₂O. At set PIP 40 cmH₂O and Crs 3 mL/cmH₂O, the delivered mean PIP was significantly lower at 35.3 cmH₂O.

CONCLUSIONS

As Crs increases, the Neopuff TPR can produce clinically significant levels of auto-PEEP and thus may not be optimal for the resuscitation of term infants with healthy lungs.

The effectiveness of Ambu neonatal self-inflating bag to provide consistent positive end-expiratory pressure

BACKGROUND

The self-inflating bag (SIB) is the most common device used to resuscitate newborn infants worldwide. Delivering positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may be important in infant resuscitation and limited research using one brand (Laerdal) SIB has led to international guidelines stating SIBs 'often deliver inconsistent positive end-expiratory pressure'.

AIM

To measure delivered PEEP using disposable and reusable Ambu SIBs fitted with Ambu PEEP valve and manometer comparing different rates of 20, 40 and 60 inflations per minute (IPM) and test lung compliance.

DESIGN

Three experienced neonatal medical staff provided positive pressure ventilation each using different disposable and reusable Ambu SIBs, targeting peak inflation pressure of 30-35 cm H2O at three different set PEEP levels of 5, 7.5 and 10 cm H2O on test lungs of compliance of 0.5 and 3.0 mL/cm H2O. Inflation data were captured with Florian Monitor and analysed by analysis of variance for repeated measures.

RESULTS

A total of 3265 inflations were analysed. The delivered PEEP was rate and lung compliance dependent. At set PEEP of 5 cm H2O, the adjusted measured PEEP was 3.6, 4.4 and 4.8 cm H2O at rates 20, 40 and 60 IPM, respectively, while at set PEEP of 10 cm H2O, the adjusted measured PEEP was 7.0, 8.8 and 9.8 cm H2O. The delivered PEEP was statistically higher with more compliant test lungs.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ambu SIB with Ambu PEEP valve can deliver consistent mean levels of PEEP close to the operator set PEEP. The performance of SIB with PEEP valves is likely brand specific and requires further evaluation.

Survey of delivery room resuscitation practices at tertiary perinatal centers in Japan

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the current neonatal resuscitation practices for term infants in Japan, immediately before the 2010 publication of the international neonatal resuscitation consensus.

METHODS

In January 2010, a 26-question survey was mailed to neonatal department directors.

RESULTS

A total of 287 neonatal departments were identified. Four surveys were returned as undeliverable. A total of 191 surveys were returned completed, but four departments had no labor and delivery rooms (66.6% response rate, 65.2% survey available response rate). Flow-inflating bags were most commonly used (63.2%), followed by self-inflating bags (35.8%), and T-piece resuscitators (1.0%). Among the participants, 42.1% used oxygen blenders, 56.2% used pure oxygen for initial resuscitation, and 79.5% used a pulse oximeter to change the fraction of inspired oxygen. Among the participants, 45.3% used carbon dioxide detectors to confirm intubation, 42.5% routinely used the detectors, and 55.2% used them when confirming a difficult intubation. In addition, 42.5% of the participants used continuous positive airway pressure to treat breathing problems, most commonly with flow-inflating bags (93.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The equipment and techniques used in Japanese perinatal center delivery room resuscitation practices are highly varied. Further research is required to determine which devices and techniques are appropriate for this important and common intervention.

Prematurely born infants' response to resuscitation via an endotracheal tube or a face mask

BACKGROUND

Prematurely born infants may be resuscitated in the labour suite via a face mask or an endotracheal tube.

AIMS

To assess prematurely born infants' initial responses to resuscitation delivered via an endotracheal tube or a face mask, to determine if the first five inflations via an endotracheal tube produced expired tidal volumes greater than 4.4ml/kg (twice the anatomical dead space) and whether the outcome of initial resuscitation via an endotracheal tube or via a face mask differed according to the first active inflation (the infant's inspiratory effort coinciding with an inflation).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-five infants (median gestational age 25, range 23-27weeks) requiring resuscitation via an endotracheal tube (n=20) or a face mask (n=15) were studied.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Inflation pressures, inflation times, expiratory tidal volumes, end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and leak were recorded.

RESULTS

Before the first active inflation, only 27% of infants receiving resuscitation via an endotracheal tube had expiratory volumes greater than 4.4ml/kg. During, both endotracheal and face mask initial resuscitations, during the first active inflation the expired tidal volumes (7.7ml/kg, 5.2ml/kg) and ETCO2 levels (4.8kPa, 3.2kPa) were significantly higher than during the inflations before the first active inflation (2.8ml/kg, 1.6ml/kg; 0.36kPa, 0.2kPa respectively) (all p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial resuscitation via an endotracheal tube using currently recommended pressures, rarely produced adequate tidal volumes. Resuscitation via an endotracheal tube or a face mask was most effective when the infant's inspiratory effort coincided with an inflation.

Evaluation of respiratory function monitoring at the resuscitation of prematurely born infants

Our aim was to determine whether neonatal trainees found respiratory function monitoring (RFM) helpful during the resuscitation of prematurely born infants, what decisions they made on the basis of RFM and whether those decisions were evidence based. Fifty one trainees completed an electronic questionnaire. Eighty-three percent found the tidal volume display useful, 59 % altered the inflation pressure based on the tidal volume: 52 % considered 5 ml/kg adequate; 33 % 4 ml/kg; 13 % 6 ml/kg; and 2 % 7 ml/kg, despite no evidence on which to decide was the optimum tidal volume. If there was no detectable expired carbon dioxide (CO2), 30 trainees said they would reintubate, yet the absence of expired CO2 can indicate inadequate vasodilation of the pulmonary circulation rather than inappropriate placement of the endotracheal tube. If there was no chest wall expansion, but expired CO2, a third of junior trainees would reintubate which is inappropriate. If the oxygen saturation (SaO2) was <85 % at 1 min, no senior trainee, but 50 % of junior trainees would increase the inspired oxygen. The majority of healthy babies have an SaO2 > 85 % by 1 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The usefulness of respiratory function monitoring for trainees during neonatal resuscitation is often not evidence based.

Current Neonatal Resuscitation Practices among Paediatricians in Gujarat, India

Aim. We assessed neonatal resuscitation practices among paediatricians in Gujarat. Methods. Cross-sectional survey of 23 questions based on guidelines of Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (NSSK) was conducted using web-based tool. Questionnaire was developed and consensually validated by three neonatologists. Results. Total of 142 (21.2%) of 669 paediatricians of Gujarat, India, whose e-mail addresses were available, attempted the survey and, from them, 126 were eligible. Of these, 74 (58.7%) were trained in neonatal resuscitation. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with mechanical ventilation facilities was available for 54% of respondents. Eighty-eight (69.8%) reported correct knowledge and practice regarding effective bag and mask ventilation (BMV) and chest compressions. Knowledge and practice about continuous positive airway pressure use in delivery room were reported in 18.3% and 30.2% reported use of room air for BMV during resuscitation. Suctioning oral cavity before delivery in meconium stained liquor was reported by 27.8% and 38.1% cut the cord after a minute of birth. Paediatricians with NRP training used appropriate method of tracheal suction in cases of nonvigorous newborns than those who were not trained. Conclusions. Contemporary knowledge about neonatal resuscitative practices in paediatricians is lacking and requires improvement. Web-based tools provided low response in this survey.

The impact of a father's presence during newborn resuscitation: a qualitative interview study with healthcare professionals

OBJECTIVE

To explore healthcare professionals' experiences around the time of newborn resuscitation in the delivery room, when the baby's father was present.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive, retrospective design using the critical incident approach. Tape-recorded semistructured interviews were undertaken with healthcare professionals involved in newborn resuscitation. Participants recalled resuscitation events when the baby's father was present. They described what happened and how those present, including the father, responded. They also reflected upon the impact of the resuscitation and the father's presence on themselves. Participant responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

SETTING

A large teaching hospital in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Purposive sampling was utilised. It was anticipated that 35-40 participants would be recruited. Forty-nine potential participants were invited to take part. The final sample consisted of 37 participants including midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists, neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatal nurses and paediatricians.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: 'whose role?' 'saying and doing' 'teamwork' and 'impact on me'. While no-one was delegated to support the father during the resuscitation, midwives and anaesthetists most commonly took on this role. Participants felt the midwife was the most appropriate person to support fathers. All healthcare professional groups said they often did not know what to say to fathers during prolonged resuscitation. Teamwork was felt to be of benefit to all concerned, including the father. Some paediatricians described their discomfort when fathers came to the resuscitaire. None of the participants had received education and training specifically on supporting fathers during newborn resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first known study to specifically explore the experiences of healthcare professionals of the father's presence during newborn resuscitation. The findings suggest the need for more focused training about supporting fathers. There is also scope for service providers to consider ways in which fathers can be supported more readily during newborn resuscitation.