How stressful is the Newborn Life Support airway test? An observational study. (27th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holme, Nicola; Harrison, Catherine; Newland, Paul; Shaw, Ben N J
• Is Part Of: BMJ simulation & technology enhanced learning. Volume 2:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2016-09-27
• Subjects: Resuscitation -- Newborn -- Assessment -- Stress -- Multi-professional; Medicine -- Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Medical innovations -- Periodicals; 610.113
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjstel-2015-000063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6697

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To determine whether there is a significant stress response to the Newborn Life Support airway test (NLSAT) among healthcare professionals in the UK. Design: Quantitative study measuring both stress and anxiety of candidates on Newborn Life Support (NLS) courses measuring salivary cortisol levels along with validated anxiety questionnaires (State Trait Anxiety Inventory). Setting: UK NLS course centres. Participants: 80 healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors and midwives) on NLS courses. Interventions: Stress levels measured (cortisol swabs and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)) at baseline, immediately before and 20 min after starting the NLSAT. Results: Cortisol measurements failed to detect any significant rise in stress levels as a result of the NLSAT. Significant anxiety was induced by the NLSAT based on STAI scores. STAI scores rose significantly in all professionals from baseline to post-NLSAT, with the greatest change detected for midwives (+11.82 (SD 7.64, p<0.001)) compared with nurses (+8.86 (SD 12.1, p<0.001)) and doctors (+7.96 (SD 2.9.69, p<0.001)). Experience had no impact on stress levels. Conclusions: Anxiety levels induced by the NLSAT are significant and should be considered when instructing and developing the NLS course.