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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Patricia S. Coffey, PhD¹, Kim Kelly, MPA², and Vivien Tsu, PhD¹. (1) Reproductive Health, PATH, 1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107, (2) Technology Solutions, PATH, 1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107, 206-285-3500, kkelly@path.org

Purpose of Work: Birth asphyxia is estimated to account for one-third of the approximate four million neonatal deaths that occur annually worldwide. Correct use of neonatal resuscitators is critical to address this, yet little is known about provider opinions regarding use of resuscitation devices in low-resource settings.

Methods: PATH conducted a web-based survey among neonatal health experts to understand the context of use of both bag and mask and tube and mask resuscitators. The survey response rate was 28% (22/80); survey topics covered use scenarios, training, device readiness, design features, and preferences.

Results: Respondents considered ease of use, mask size, and device function to be the most important features of bag and mask devices. Respondents considered ease of use and availability to be the most important features of tube and mask devices. Frequent refresher training among all groups of providers and appropriately sized devices, especially for use with preterm and low-birthweight infants, were identified as needs. Device readiness at delivery and use of devices after long periods of inactivity were concerns. A minority of respondents noted potential HIV transmission as a concern.

Conclusion and Recommendations: In general, bag and mask devices were used by more practitioners and in more places than tube and mask designs; tube and mask devices were not well known. Disposable devices were not recommended. The bag and mask was preferred regardless of professional status. Further research could assess feedback from users in a variety of developing countries and explore the concern about HIV transmission.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify preferred features of two different models of resuscitation devices (tube and mask, and bag and mask). Assess context of use and user needs related to neonatal resuscitators in low-resource settings.

Keywords: Infant Mortality, Infant Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.pdf format, 696.3 kb)