Neonatal flight safety: northern care outreach

• Main Author: Ryan, Mollie
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2019
• Subjects: Canada; Nunavut; Keewatin
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/13795/; https://research.library.mun.ca/13795/1/Ryan,%20M%20-%20Prac%20Report%20FINAL-%202019.pdf

Background and Purpose: Neonatal aeromedical transport is inherently dangerous, (Bouchut, Lancker, Chritin, & Gueugniaud, 2011; Schierholz, 2010), but for Nunavut, Canada, serviced by Keewatin Air, this is the only option to accessing specialized care (McKenzie, 2015). The purpose of this practicum is to support Keewatin Air with a Neonatal Transport Improvement Project (NTIP) to help their staff safely transport neonates. Methods: A needs assessment with Keewatin Air was conducted to determine: 1) neonatal knowledge gaps; 2) relevant primary needs; and 3) resources for continuing education. This writer then consulted with neonatal experts to identify evidence-based recommendations for neonatal transport team training, and how to maintain neonatal safety on transport. Results: Keewatin Air staff identified three primary needs: risk mitigation; improving access to Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP); and financial support, and consultation with neonatal experts revealed simulation is the ideal training format. NTIP is presented in two parts: Program Support Presentation, and Simulation Educational Toolkit. The former is a PowerPoint presentation that offers solutions to the identified program needs, and the latter includes the foundations of simulation, educator preparatory material, advice for facilitating effective simulation, and a collection of neonatal simulation scenarios. The simulation toolkit also includes an objective evaluation plan to assess the efficacy of this education. Conclusion: Keewatin Air will now have a toolkit to integrate into their curriculum to improve their medical staff’s neonatal competencies and ultimately neonatal safety during aeromedical transport.