Evaluating the Impact of Pre-Prepared Neonatal Intubation Premedication Kits

In January 2018, neonatal intubation premedication kits containing atropine, suxamethonium and fentanyl were introduced alongside the implementation of dose-banding for these medicines according to patient’s weight, irrespective of the patient’s gestation. A button on the electronic prescribing system was created which automatically populates the drug chart with doses based on the patient’s weight. Seven kits are made by the Pharmacy Technical Services Unit each week. Three months after the kits were implemented, a survey was sent to all nursing and medical staff to establish their thoughts on the intubation process. 95% reported using pre-prepared kits was easier than drawing up drugs just prior to intubation.