RCPNEOPERU trial: a cluster randomized pilot trial to assess traditional neonatal resuscitation compared to partially virtual training in remote areas.

Objective: To assess the effects of a neonatal resuscitation training program using traditional training and partial distance learning.

Method: Through an open cluster-randomized trial, the authors compared a traditional approach involving face-to-face theory and practice sessions using information and communication technology to offer theory and distance examination, followed by face-to-face practice. Twelve health facilities were allocated by blocked randomization. Comparisons were made adjusting for clustering in qualitative and quantitative data. The primary outcome was the percentage of infants with heart rates ≥100 per minute at the second minute after birth. The authors performed a cluster-level analysis for cluster randomized trials, simplifying the adjustment for individual- and cluster-level covariates.

Results: The authors trained 403 health professionals in 2 p.m. in twelve facilities. After six months, the authors assessed 2180 birth deliveries, 966 newborns in the traditional training group (TT), and 1214 in the partial distance learning training group (pDL). The authors found no statistical evidence favoring any of the two trial arms (RR = 0.9859, CI 95 % = 0.9446; 1.0292, p = 0.4819).

Conclusions: The authors found no statistical evidence favoring traditional or distance learning methods for neonatal resuscitation training. Further research could assess improved online platforms to enable sustainable virtual reality instructor/provider interaction for theory, practice and testing, addressed to health cadres of rural and remote areas.