Training on the use of T- piece resuscitator in a newborn unit: an experience from a Tertiary Health Facility in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background:

Neonatal resuscitation is one of the key interventions to improve neonatal survival and outcomes. A key component of this intervention is proficient use of intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) by a skilled birth attendant during every neonatal resuscitation. The current guidelines in neonatal resuscitation recommend three types of devices for IPPV; these are self- inflating bag (SIB), flow-inflating bag (FIB), and T-piece resuscitator (TPR). The choice of which device to use is influenced by a combination of availability, inherent characteristic performance and requirements for use of a device, ease of use and skill of user among others.

Objective: To introduce and assess the knowledge, perception and experience of using T piece resuscitator by staff of a neonatal unit in a tertiary healthcare facility.

Methods: A study involving neonatal unit staff of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Shika. Using a structured self- administered questionnaire, information was collected on knowledge, perception and experience on the use of T- piece resuscitator before and after training on the device. Data collected were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20 and results were presented in tables and charts. Results: Doctors made up 46.4% (13) of the 28 study participants while the other 15 were nurses. Eight (61.5%) of the doctors had some knowledge about T-piece resuscitator compared to 46.7% of nurses even as none of the participants reported using the device before the training. Nine of the 11 participants who were trained described the training as good while a participant reported inability to use the device even after the training. Three (27.3%) participants felt confident using the device while majority (63.6%, n = 7/11) described their confidence to use the device as fair and would want to have more training sessions. Participants suggested availability of protocols, aid on the use of the device and unfettered access will enhance their proficiency in its use.

Conclusion: Some of the neonatal unit staff had some knowledge about T piece resuscitator though, none had used it prior to training on the use of the device. Overall, trained staff felt they needed more training and support to  improve proficiency in use of the device.