Global Webinar Aired on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
The Neo-GRA was launched at Utstein on September 1-3 with development of a draft 10-step approach to improve neonatal resuscitation worldwide. We presented the
rationale for and process of establishing this Neo-GRA, the preliminary results from the Utstein meeting, and solicited feedback and inputs from additional individuals and
organizations focused on improving neonatal resuscitation globally to further improve the 10 steps.
Introduction
Of the >130 million babies born in the world every year, up to 10% (13 million) will require resuscitation at birth. Globally, birth asphyxia is a leading cause of childhood mortality and disability. Ensuring that all newborns around the world have access to high quality resuscitation after birth represents a significant challenge.
A critical knowledge gap remains in understanding how best to disseminate, implement, and study the impact of evidence-based practice for neonatal resuscitation. Many birth settings lack the expertise and infrastructure to measure and improve the way they train, prepare for, and perform neonatal resuscitation.
The concept of a Global Resuscitation Alliance with a 10-step approach for high quality resuscitation was pioneered for treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This strategy has subsequently been adapted to in-hospital cardiac arrest. In September 1-3 2024, a group of experts from around the world met at Utstein to develop a Neonatal Global Resuscitation Alliance (Neo-GRA). The Neo-GRA identified 10 steps to improve in-facility neonatal resuscitation.
Each step and key points related to the step are posted here for public review and comment. We invite you to provide your feedback to help improve these steps.
The following considerations apply to this framework:
- Neonatal resuscitation is defined as administration of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) or more intensive intervention(s) to support a baby who is not breathing well at birth. Initial steps to stabilize a newborn (such as stimulation) often prevent the need for resuscitation.
- This framework pertains to in-facility births across a wide spectrum of healthcare settings but does not pertain to home births.
- This framework does not focus on resuscitation events that take place after successful transition to the extrauterine environment (e.g., resuscitation in the NICU).
- Resuscitation of the birth parent is beyond the scope of this work.