Anaesthetists’ knowledge of neonatal resuscitation

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of basic resuscitation of neonates is vital. Factors such as delays in decision making and inaccuracies in estimation of drug dosage during resuscitation may result in poor patient outcome. The aim of this study is to describe the knowledge of anaesthetists in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of the Witwatersrand regarding the 2015 Neonatal Resuscitation Guidelines. Methods: A prospective, contextual, descriptive study design was used. Data were collected using convenient sampling and a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The 169 anaesthetists that took part in the study represented 81.3% of the department. The mean (SD) score obtained was 43.4% (14.2%), no anaesthetist achieved ≥80% (adequate knowledge). There was no significant difference between anaesthetists who have attended a neonatal resuscitation course to those who have not (p=0.272). There was no significant difference in the level of knowledge between medical officers, registrars and consultants (p=0.636). Of the anaesthetists, 72.2% perceived their competence with neonatal resuscitation as average. Conclusion: Knowledge of neonatal resuscitation in this study was inadequate. The majority of anaesthetists perceived their competence with neonatal resuscitation as average. Neither previous resuscitation training nor professional designation influenced knowledge.