NEONATAL PULSE OXIMETRY: TRAINING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS IN REMOTE AND ON-SITE FORMAT

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal pulse oximetry has been part of the National Newborn Screening Program in Brazil since 2014. However, there are few reports of its effective implementation in routine maternal and child care in the country. Objective: This study reports health education actions to health professionals and students, and to the general population, on topics related to neonatal pulse oximetry. Methodology: The study was carried out between July 2019 and July 2021, before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, by students linked to the extension project of a reference university service in Rio Grande do Norte state. Results: Training provided to health professionals and students covered 1212 people. Events directed to the external environment, such as live broadcasts and audiovisual content on social networks, reached 12,931 people. Promotion of scientific production involved the preparation of 95 papers approved in regional, national, and international congresses, as well as the organization of an international congress in the areas of Pediatrics and Cardiology,  with 29,007 registered participants. Conclusions: The importance of interventions to improve the line of care for children with heart disease was evidenced.

Keywords: Pulse oximetry. Neonatal Screening. Health education. Covid-19 pandemic