0000000000685477
AUTHOR
L Gagliardi
Work environment, volume of activity and staffing in neonatal intensive care units in Italy: results of the SONAR-nurse study
Background Neonatal units’ volume of activity, and other quantitative and qualitative variables, such as staffing, workload, work environment, care organization and geographical location, may influence the outcome of high risk newborns. Data about the distribution of these variables and their relationships among Italian neonatal units are lacking. Methods Between March 2010-April 2011, 63 neonatal intensive care units adhering to the Italian Neonatal Network participated in the SONAR Nurse study. Their main features and work environment were investigated by questionnaires compiled by the chief and by physicians and nurses of each unit. Twelve cross-sectional monthly-repeated surveys on diff…
Survey of neonatal respiratory support use in very preterm infants in Italy
Background: Respiratory support in very preterm infants is often a life-saving procedure and several techniques are available. There is lack of data on the current use of these techniques. Methods and aim: We analyzed a cohort of infants <30 weeks gestation or < 1501 g birth weight, enrolled in the Italian Neonatal Network in 2009 and 2010 (n = 8297, mean gestation = 29.3 weeks, mean birth weight = 1089 g) to ascertain the use of several techniques. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of all neonatal units adhering to the Italian Neonatal Network, inquiring about preferred methods of respiratory support. Results: Conventional ventilation was used in 53% of these infants, high frequency…