G139(P) EARNEST (early assessment and referral of newborns enabling safer triage) protocol promoting neonatal team spirit and early recovery of newborn

Objective EARNEST protocol devised by the author was tested for its impact in improving newborn care. Method This pilot study was carried out over 3 months in the neonatal triage of a district hospital. All newborns being brought to the Triage area here were assessed using this protocol and its user friendliness scored using ‘SMART’ criteria. Study group comprised of 100 newborns [Group A] where. EARNEST was applied after the institution of the NRP Protocol For comparison [Group B], 100 matched newborns, admitted in the same duration, where only NRP protocol was applied. Result Among Group A newborns, better documentation of data was reported as compared to group B [p Conclusion The use of this protocol where a newborn’s profile is entered under the 6 main headings of i) Patient profile – by the nursing staff. ii) Problems in baby – by first year resident, iii) Progress of Baby – by second year resident iv) Plan of management and v) Prognosis – by senior resident and vi) Professional advice by the consultant has empowered the Neonatal Triage team in conducting an easily recordable, reproducible newborn assessment with division of work, team spirit and early detection of complications and referral if required.