Work

Neonatal Resuscitation Training in Australian Public Birthing and Newborn Care Facilities: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Background: The stabilisation of infants at birth is vital for survival and relies on clinicians being appropriately trained in neonatal resuscitation. The effectiveness of resuscitation is influenced by the skills, knowledge and equipment available to the responding clinician. In Australia, the absence of a standardised neonatal resuscitation training programme may contribute to variations in training practices. This study aimed to describe current training practices across Australian public services and explore educators perceptions of opportunities for national standardisation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to educators and representatives from birth and newborn care public facilities across Australia. A questionnaire was developed to gain knowledge on how newborn resuscitation is taught detailing staffing, equipment and training requirements. Results: 197 completed responses were received. Responses were received from all Australian states and territories and levels of maternity/neonatal services. Accreditation in neonatal resuscitation was required by 173 (87.8%) of respondents programmes with training occurring at annual (n=95, 47.7%) or more frequent (n=21, 10.7%) intervals. NeoResus (n=134, 67.5%), Neonatal Advanced Life Support (n=45, 22.8%) and Newborn Life Support Training (n=41, 21.3%) were the most popular training programmes. Substantial variation was identified in equipment used for training. Most respondents (n=174, 88.3%) reported a need for a standardised national training programme. Conclusions: Neonatal resuscitation training is widely available in Australian public facilities, but reported requirements, programmes, content, assessment methods and training resources vary. These findings support the development of standardised neonatal resuscitation training to promote consistent preparedness across Australian healthcare settings.

Source: medRxiv

DOI: 10.64898/2026.10.21.26366083

Authors: Stephanie Morakeas, Mark Tracy, Nicholas Williams, Marta Thio

Institutions: The University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Local Health District, Royal Women's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Neonatal Respiratory Health Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funders: Australian Government, Cerebral Palsy Alliance