Proficiency in endotracheal intubation is an essential step in the neonatal resuscitation process. This skill is difficult to acquire and its mastery requires experience. Recent changes in neonatal resuscitation guidelines (ILCOR 2006) have resulted in a decrease in the opportunities to practice intubations. Appropriate education and training is therefore essential. The goal of this study was to assess the skills of neonatal care professionals in performing intubation via orotracheal (OT) and nasotracheal (NT) routes.
Methods: OT and NT intubation attempts were compared during training on a neonatal mannequin (Laerdal, Neonatal Resuscitation Baby((R))) at each course of an educational intervention on neonatal resuscitation organized in level 1-3 institutions of the Maternités en Yvelines Perinatal Network. The duration of these attempts was noted; intubation in less than 30s was considered successful.
Results: Thirty-two midwifery students (STD), 103 midwives (MW) and 25 pediatricians (PED) participated in the study. The median (IQR) time for intubation was less with the OT route than with the NT route for STD (12.0 vs 23.0s; p=0.001), MW (14.0 vs 25.0s; p=0.001), and PEDs (13.0 vs 20.0s; p=0.007). The success rates for intubation in less than 30s were higher for the OT than the NT routes for STD (100% vs 66%; p=0.001), MW (97% vs 69%; p=0.001) and PED (92% vs 88%; p=NS).
Conclusion: This study confirms that OT intubation training resulted in a higher success rate and lower duration for intubation. Practical courses in neonatal resuscitation should include training with OT intubation.