Transference of Established Simulated Skills (TEST) Trial

Objectives: The aim of this study is to establish evidence that supports the transfer of skills learned in the simulation lab to the delivery room. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in the simulation lab to the performance of the same individual in the delivery room. Our goal is to establish a comparison between parameters measured on the simulator and those obtained from real newborn infants, specifically looking at mask leak. Our approach hopes to develop a ventilation performance score (VPS) in the process that will be based on objective data collected using a respiratory function monitor (RFM). The primary hypothesis is that the quality of a qualified provider's ability to circumvent mask leak on a mannequin correlates with the ability of the same provider to circumvent mask leak observed on a newborn infant.

Design and outcomes: TEST Trial is a prospective observational study to assess differences in the participants ability to avoid mask leak while performing PPV and in the process allow the investigators to develop a ventilatory performance score in the simulation lab and the delivery room. We will use the RFM Monivent Neo100 to gather PPV data in both the simulation lab from the mannequins and newborns in the delivery room. The study will compare mask leak as well as VPS in the simulation room to mask leak and VPS in the delivery room to assess for correlations. In addition, the investigators will conduct secondary analysis on each individual domain of positive pressure ventilation, such as PIP, PEEP, eVT, etc.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Respiratory Therapists (RTs)

Inclusion criteria

• Respiratory Therapists who are employed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Parkland Hospital.
• RTs who actively participate in neonatal deliveries.

Exclusion criteria

• Respiratory Therapists classified as "float" RTs, meaning those who do not have a permanent assignment in the NICU.
• RTs who intend to leave the institution within the upcoming year.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Newborn Infants

Inclusion criteria

• Newborn infants who require positive pressure ventilation (PPV) immediately after birth in the delivery room.
• Infants of various gestational ages and birth weights, representing a broad spectrum of neonatal resuscitation scenarios.

Exclusion criteria

• Newborns who do not require PPV after birth.
• Infants for whom the use of the respiratory function monitor (RFM) is not feasible due to medical or technical reasons.