Knowledge of clinicians/pediatricians about neonatal resuscitation in a tertiary care hospital

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the knowledge of the doctors dealing with pediatric patients about neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted at The Lahore General Hospital over one year. Total 137 doctors related to pediatrics with different job descriptions were enrolled and requested to fill a questionnaire proforma regarding their knowledge about basic equipment required and about neonatal resuscitation steps. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Out of 137 participants, majority (71%) had >2 years of experience in pediatrics and 52.5% had higher postgraduate qualification. Neonatal resuscitation workshop was attended by 57% doctors. In resuscitation of newborns at the time of delivery, resuscitating doctors were assisted by nurse in 50%, by junior doctor in 35%, paramedic staff 11% and it was done by single doctor in 4% cases. Oxygen (central or O(2) cylinder) and warmer facilities were available in 90% and 82% of health facilities respectively. Majority (86%) of participants were of view that every neonate must be attended at birth. Not a single doctor followed all the standard steps of neonatal resuscitation although 90% had knowledge about resuscitation equipment and common resuscitation drugs. CONCLUSION: Pediatric health care professionals had knowledge about neonatal resuscitation but there are gaps in the practical application. There is a strong need of frequent neonatal resuscitation workshops for improving neonatal outcomes.