World Prematurity day is intended to raise awareness about preterm babies around the world. According to the World Health Organization, every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm. That’s 1 in 10 babies. Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, while more than 60% of preterm births occur in Africa and South Asia, preterm births are rising around the world. In the low-income countries, on average, 12% of babies are born preterm compared with 9% in high-income countries. The United States ranks number six out of the ten countries with the greatest number of preterm births, preceded by India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
And premature infants are at greater risk of long-term complications and death. They require specialized care by a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals.
Premature, small, or sick babies account for nearly 80% neonatal deaths. And for these babies, it is not enough to just survive, we need them to thrive which means strengthening the healthcare system.”
Survival rates for newborns can be improved through training in neonatal resuscitation and by being prepared to respond quickly and effectively. How can you be better prepared to handle an expected – or unexpected – preterm birth? Practice and simulate.
Using simulation training to support your learning objectives, you will be able to practice and implement the safest care practices for premature infants. Better preparation can help save more lives.
"We train every 2 weeks. We don’t only train to improve skills, we also train teamwork. When a premature baby has an emergency, there is no time to waste. New nurses really become more confident after simulation training. We all do. So we need to practice. Because we all want the best for the babies."
Silje Eirin Sæther
Newborn Intensive Nurse
Stavanger University Hospital
A 25-week preterm manikin
Developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Premature Anne is designed for the training of healthcare professionals in the initiation of proper care and resuscitation of preterm infants.