Implementing delayed cord clamping in premature infants

Abstract

The practice of delayed cord clamping (DCC) in premature infants has proven benefit to the neonate. In a community-based perinatal centre, the practice of DCC for more than 60 s for premature infants with gestational age of <35 weeks was identified to occur infrequently at 20% in 2013. The perinatology group in conjunction with nursery, labour and delivery, and obstetric staff sought to improve adherence to the best practice of DCC for premature infants. In an effort to achieve this goal, we developed an evidence-based clinical practice guideline, included key stakeholders in its development and provided timely feedback to delivery providers about DCC performance. The frequency of DCC for this population improved from 19.5% in 2013 to 85% in 2017. The success in improving this best practice is attributed to the involvement of the multidisciplinary team who developed the guideline, and the sustained improvement was encouraged with the continued reaffirmation of DCC goals to delivery providers.