Neonatal resuscitation training in Ireland integrating teaching and research: a quality of care initiative in health services research

Abstract

Resuscitation training is a vital area of education that could have a significant impact on patient outcome. This is especially true in the newborn period where inexperienced, inadequate or inappropriate resuscitation responses could affect the entire life span of a newborn infant. In addition, neonates are more often subject to asphyxia and are far more likely to be in need of resuscitation than any other age group. The World Health Organization (1995) estimates that every year there are one million neonatal deaths attributable to birth asphyxia. Due to the unique aetiology and pathophysiology of neonatal arrests, successful resuscitation requires the application of knowledge and skills that require special training. The purpose of resuscitation training is to transfer the science of resuscitation into classroom performance, with the objective of transferring knowledge and skills into clinical practice. The ultimate goal of the process is to improve neonatal survival and decrease handicap. While it is the responsibility of the Health Services to provide the necessary training for its employees, it is the function of Universities to design, develop, evaluate and promote effective educational programmes that improve patient care.