Socially Distanced Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): A Technical Report on How to Teach NRP Courses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In this technical report, we describe a method for teaching the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) courses while also maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a method we call 'Socially Distanced NRP.' The unique aspects of Socially Distanced NRP courses include small class sizes, keeping one group of students and their instructors together throughout the course, and creating socially distanced stations where students complete the performance skills, integrated skills, and simulation and debriefing parts of the NRP course. The four socially distanced stations include airway, chest compressions, umbilical venous catheter placement, and team leader. Feedback from 79 NRP students showed no difference in overall course rating between Socially Distanced NRP and standard NRP courses. No cases of COVID-19 transmission were identified in the Socially Distanced NRP courses. We believe that Socially Distanced NRP is a safe and effective way to provide mandatory NRP training during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Copyright © 2020, Robinson et al.)