Optimal Criteria Survey for Preresuscitation Delivery Room Checklists.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal format and content of delivery room reminder tools, such as checklists.

STUDY DESIGN: Voluntary, anonymous web-based surveys on checklists and reminder tools for neonatal resuscitation were sent to clinicians at participating hospitals. Summary statistics including the mean and standard deviation of the survey items were calculated. Several key comparisons between groups were completed using Student t-test.

RESULTS: Fifteen hospitals were surveyed and 299 responses were collected. Almost all (96%) respondents favored some form of a reminder tool. Specific reminders such as "check and prepare all equipment" (mean 3.69, SD 0.81) were ranked higher than general reminders and personnel reminders such as "introduction and assigning roles" (mean 3.23, SD 1.08). Rankings varied by profession, institution, and deliveries attended per month.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians perceive a benefit of a checklist for neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room. Preparation of equipment was perceived as the most important use for checklists.