Amelie Stritzke1, Amuchou Soraisham2, Prashanth Murthy3, Derek Kowal4, Renee Paul4, Majeeda Kamaluddeen2, Khorshid Mohammad5, Essa Hamdan Al Awad6, Sumesh Thomas2. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: amelie.stritzke@albertahealthservices.ca. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 4. Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 5. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital/Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 6. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Peter Lougheed Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited point-of-care ultrasound skills for ultrasound-naïve neonatal transport clinicians could enhance clinical evaluation and decision making. Teaching Respiratory Therapists and Nurses to assess cardiac filling and contractility may be feasible. METHODS: Prospective educational study using educational materials, didactic theoretical, and hands-on practical sessions, followed by assessment of practical and theoretical skills. RESULTS: A total of 18 participants completed the study meeting the predefined standard, proving feasibility. Nine (50%) participants had ≤ 10 years of NICU experience. The mean time required for complete training was 8.6 ± 2.1 hours. Time was spent on average on 269 ± 104 minutes for hands-on practice, 171 ± 96 minutes on didactic training, and 76 ± 16 minutes on testing sessions. The median number of hands-on sessions per participant was 5 [Interquartile range (IQR) 5, 7]. The median number of infants required to complete training was 9 infants (IQR 7, 11). RRTs required less time than RNs. Evaluations and feedback from participants on the training program was positive. CONCLUSION: Neonatal RNs and RTs can be trained to perform focused cardiac ultrasound examinations with average time of 8.6 hours. This skill could enhance clinical care on neonatal transport with appropriate interventions to manage suspected hypotension or shock.
BACKGROUND: Limited point-of-care ultrasound skills for ultrasound-naïve neonatal transport clinicians could enhance clinical evaluation and decision making. Teaching Respiratory Therapists and Nurses to assess cardiac filling and contractility may be feasible. METHODS: Prospective educational study using educational materials, didactic theoretical, and hands-on practical sessions, followed by assessment of practical and theoretical skills. RESULTS: A total of 18 participants completed the study meeting the predefined standard, proving feasibility. Nine (50%) participants had ≤ 10 years of NICU experience. The mean time required for complete training was 8.6 ± 2.1 hours. Time was spent on average on 269 ± 104 minutes for hands-on practice, 171 ± 96 minutes on didactic training, and 76 ± 16 minutes on testing sessions. The median number of hands-on sessions per participant was 5 [Interquartile range (IQR) 5, 7]. The median number of infants required to complete training was 9 infants (IQR 7, 11). RRTs required less time than RNs. Evaluations and feedback from participants on the training program was positive. CONCLUSION: Neonatal RNs and RTs can be trained to perform focused cardiac ultrasound examinations with average time of 8.6 hours. This skill could enhance clinical care on neonatal transport with appropriate interventions to manage suspected hypotension or shock.