Quality improvement for neonatal resuscitation and delivery room care

Semin Perinatol. 2022 Oct;46(6):151629. doi: 10.1016/j.semperi.2022.151629. Epub 2022 May 21.

Abstract

Quality improvement has become a foundation of neonatal care. Structured approaches to improvement can standardize practices, improve teamwork, engage families, and improve outcomes. The delivery room presents a unique environment for quality improvement; optimal delivery room care requires advanced preparation, adequately trained providers, and carefully coordinated team dynamics. In this article, we examine quality improvement for neonatal resuscitation. We review the published literature, focusing on reports targeting admission hypothermia, delayed cord clamping, and initial respiratory support. We discuss specific challenges related to delivery room quality improvement, including small numbers, data collection, and lack of benchmarking, and potential strategies to address them including simulation, checklists, and state and national collaboratives. We examine how quality improvement can target equity in delivery room outcomes, and explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delivery room quality of care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Delivery Rooms
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pandemics
  • Pregnancy
  • Quality Improvement
  • Resuscitation*