Analysis of neonatal resuscitation debriefings: mixed-methods results from a multicenter pilot study

Objective: To analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and action plans discussed during clinical event debriefing (CED) following neonatal resuscitation and the feasibility of conducting CED with a standardized framework. Study design: In a multicenter mixed-methods pilot study, teams conducted CED from December 2022 to February 2023. We used descriptive statistics to analyze CED characteristics and qualitative content analysis to code debriefing points and identify themes. Results: Teams conducted 24 CEDs, of which >70% occurred within 1 h of resuscitation and lasted ≤10 min. Teams identified 40 strengths, 44 weaknesses, and 28 action plans in clinical care, communication and teamwork, and equipment and supplies. Most debriefing points focused on behavioral skills rather than technical performance. Conclusion: Behavioral skills were prominent in post-resuscitation CEDs. Standardized implementation of the CED framework and shared data collection across institutions may facilitate targeted training and inform quality improvement strategies in neonatal resuscitation in a national CED program.