Acquisition of Competencies in Technical Gestures by Residents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Observational Study

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the number and success rate of procedures performed by the paediatrics residents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) such as intubation, umbilical venous catheter (UVC), and epicutaneous cava catheter (ECC) placement. METHODS: We prospectively collected data for NICU residents from 1 May 2020 to 1 May 2022. They reported online the number of procedures they performed, their success, and answered a motivational questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighteen residents participated. They performed a median number of 11 (1-24) intubation attempts, with a success rate of 116/171 (68%). After four successful attempts in a row, residents exceeded a 75% success rate. They performed a median number of 10 (2-26) UVC insertions, with a success rate of 162/174 (93%) attempts after procedures lasting 40 (12-90) min. Residents did not acquire skills in ECC placement, with only 91/250 (36%) successful attempts after 14 (4-24) attempts and a procedure duration of 55 (25-180) min. The residents who repeated the most procedures were the most competent. CONCLUSIONS: Residents attempted an average of 11 intubations, 10 UVCs, and 14 ECCs placements during their semester. Intubation and UVC placement may be acquired by residents after one semester in the NICU. A follow up of their skills may improve their learning.