Impact of real-time respiratory function monitoring on neonatal mask ventilation training: a multicentre simulation-based crossover study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether visibility of respiratory function monitor (RFM) feedback improves mask ventilation performance and influences subsequent ventilation performance during neonatal resuscitation training.

DESIGN

multicentre randomised crossover simulation study.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthcare professionals involved in neonatal resuscitation training across participating centres.

INTERVENTION: Participants performed positive pressure ventilation (PPV) on both term and premature manikins under two conditions: with visible RFM feedback and with the display masked. The order of feedback visibility was randomised. Each participant completed ventilation assessments in both conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were expired tidal volume (Vte) and mask leak (%). The proportion of breaths within the target Vte range (4-8 mL/kg) was calculated as a performance indicator. Secondary outcomes included variability in Vte and mask leak to assess ventilation stability between conditions.

RESULTS

Visible RFM feedback was associated with lower mask leak and improved ventilation stability in the preterm manikin and with tidal volumes entering the target range in the term manikin. Participants initially ventilated with visible feedback maintained performance after feedback removal, suggesting a carry-over learning effect.

CONCLUSION

In this multicentre crossover simulation study, visible RFM feedback was associated with changes in mask ventilation performance and evidence of a carry-over learning effect following feedback removal. Real-time visibility of respiratory parameters may strengthen neonatal resuscitation training.