A Collaborative Partnership for Improving Newborn Safety: Using Simulation for Neonatal Resuscitation Training

Background: The latest Neonatal Resuscitation Program (R) (NRP) guidelines suggest the use of team-based training using simulation. Furthermore, psychometric testing of instruments appropriate to measure team performance in NRP is needed. This study evaluated the effects of simulation on the training and performance of the health care team attending deliveries at a rural community hospital. Method: Twenty-three nurses and nurse anesthetists comprised the sample. A pre- and postintervention repeated measures design was used. Data were collected using the Background/Experience Survey, Self-Assessment and Attitudes Survey, and two Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality TeamSTEPPS tools (the Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire [T-TPC)] and the TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire [T-TAQ]), the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M), and the Individual and Team Performance Survey. Results: Data analysis revealed significant findings in team functioning, situation monitoring, and communication. Prebriefing and debriefing were valuable as measured by the SET-M. Conclusion: This project supports the use of simulation to enhance team-based training, performance, and communication.