M J Cawsey1, S Noble1, F Cross-Sudworth1, A K Ewer2. 1. Birmingham Women's Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK. 2. Birmingham Women's Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Birmingham, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pulse oximetry has been shown to be a valuable additional screening test for detecting critical congenital heart defects in newborns. The feasibility of homebirth screening by the attending midwife has not been reported previously. AIM: Routine pulse oximetry screening of homebirths at 2 h of age was introduced in a UK tertiary maternity service in January 2014. The process and outcomes were evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical record of all babies undergoing pulse oximetry screening performed following homebirths over a 16-month period was undertaken. The acceptability of screening among the home care team (n=11) was also evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety babies underwent routine pulse oximetry screening within 2 h following homebirth; two had a positive result and were admitted to the neonatal unit with significant respiratory illness. Screening was acceptable and reassuring to midwives enabling prompt postnatal decision making and confirming normal transition without significantly increasing workload. CONCLUSIONS: Early pulse oximetry screening for homebirths is both feasible and acceptable. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/
BACKGROUND: Pulse oximetry has been shown to be a valuable additional screening test for detecting critical congenital heart defects in newborns. The feasibility of homebirth screening by the attending midwife has not been reported previously. AIM: Routine pulse oximetry screening of homebirths at 2 h of age was introduced in a UK tertiary maternity service in January 2014. The process and outcomes were evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical record of all babies undergoing pulse oximetry screening performed following homebirths over a 16-month period was undertaken. The acceptability of screening among the home care team (n=11) was also evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety babies underwent routine pulse oximetry screening within 2 h following homebirth; two had a positive result and were admitted to the neonatal unit with significant respiratory illness. Screening was acceptable and reassuring to midwives enabling prompt postnatal decision making and confirming normal transition without significantly increasing workload. CONCLUSIONS: Early pulse oximetry screening for homebirths is both feasible and acceptable. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/
Authors: Maria N Plana; Javier Zamora; Gautham Suresh; Luis Fernandez-Pineda; Shakila Thangaratinam; Andrew K Ewer Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2018-03-01
Authors: Elza Cloete; Thomas L Gentles; Dianne R Webster; Sarka Davidkova; Lesley A Dixon; Jane M Alsweiler; Frank H Bloomfield Journal: Acta Paediatr Date: 2019-08-08 Impact factor: 2.299