[Evaluation of COVID-19 emergency and state of alarm impact on Neonatal Screening Programs in Madrid: endocrine and metabolic disorders program and hearing program review.]

Abstract

Objective: Under the declaration of the state of alarm (SA) in efforts to control COVID-19, normal development of health programs was threatened. The aim of the study was the evaluation of COVID 19 emergency and SA approval impact on neonatal Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Program (EMDP) and Neonatal Hearing Program (HP) in Madrid.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative descriptive study was conducted. Semistructured interview was designed and developed to picture newborn screening activities taking place from January 1st to 31st of April 2020. To describe the undergo rates of newborn screening, neonatal screening information system (RECRINE) and martenity and prenatal care units were studied. Differences were analyzed using Chi2 test (p value = 0.05).

Results: More than 70% interviews were reported. Early hospital discharges, between 24 and 48h, were made in more than 80% hospitals. Screening programs were adapted in more than 75% health care centers. EMDP 19 diseases, RECRINE and Clinical Reference Units (RCU) referral were conducted. No significant incidences were observed in diagnostic confirmation and treatment in the RCU. RCU were adapted because of the reorganization of health care. 88.5% of the hospitals showed higher than 95% coverage rates on Hearing screening and SEM. No differences were observed compared to the pre-epidemic period.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates PCN professionals resilience. The importance of designing periodic evaluations to understand and alleviate the COVID-19 impact is remarkable. We need to assure 2020 newborns attention health care quality.