Abstract
Objective
There is increasing evidence that the use of a video laryngoscope improves first-attempt intubation rates in neonates. The goal of this quality improvement initiative was to improve the first-attempt intubation success rate from 45 to 65% in 2.5 years through the introduction and increased use of a video laryngoscope in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Study Design
We utilized the Model for Improvement with plan-do-study-act cycles targeted at increasing buy-in and comfort with the use of a video laryngoscope. Data on 418 intubations were collected from November 2021 to April 2024.
Results
Through increasing routine use of the video laryngoscope, achieved via a staggered introduction of the device, creation of reference materials, and coaching workshops, we improved the overall first-attempt intubation success rate from 45 to 57% during the intervention period.
Conclusion
We increased the first-attempt success rate of intubations in the NICU by effectively implementing the use of a video laryngoscope into daily practice.
Key Points
Neonatal intubations have low success rates, but video laryngoscopy improves success especially for those with less experience.
This study shows that video laryngoscopy adoption in a neonatal ICU improved first-attempt intubation rates.
This study contributes to neonatal intubation and video laryngoscopy literature from a quality improvement perspective.
Keywords intubation - neonate - video laryngoscope - quality improvement
