Impact of video-assisted neonatal resuscitation on newborns and resuscitators: A feasibility study

Aim: High-risk deliveries are still common due to the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies. In Japan, despite centralization of labor, about half of all deliveries are still carried out in obstetric clinics. Telemedicine support is important for neonatal resuscitation involving urgent, life-altering professional judgment in local deliveries. This feasibility study examined the effects of using medical communication software on the quality of neonatal resuscitation, and the physiological parameters of the newborn and stress of the resuscitators.

Methods: This observational study included cesarean births with ≥ 36 weeks gestational age at Kagoshima City Hospital between January 1, 2023 and 2024. A camera on the neonatal resuscitation table allowed a neonatologist to observe the resuscitation through a medical communication software and give instructions to the resuscitators. The midwife performing the resuscitation wore a communication microphone to interact with the neonatologist. Details of the neonatal resuscitation procedures, newborn physical findings, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates were collected from medical records. A midwife questionnaire was also administered. The primary endpoints were resuscitation findings, and the secondary endpoint was resuscitator stress before and after implementing the software.

Results: The intervention had no major adverse effects and no change in NICU admission rates; however, there were increases in post-resuscitation temperature and suctioning frequency. While the intervention caused stress to the resuscitators, it also contributed to an increased sense of security and learning.

Conclusion: Telemedicine support in neonatal resuscitation can be introduced without significant adverse effects.