Neonatology Providers Need Education About Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening Algorithms

TL;DR

Neonatologists need better education on cystic fibrosis newborn screening to ensure timely diagnosis in critically ill infants.

Contribution

Highlights a gap in neonatology providers' knowledge of cystic fibrosis newborn screening algorithms and the need for targeted education.

Findings

86% of neonatology providers were unaware of recent updates to the Pennsylvania CF newborn screening algorithm.

Only 40% of providers correctly identified the next diagnostic steps after an abnormal CF newborn screening result.

Provider comfort with interpreting CF screening results varied, indicating a need for improved education.

Abstract

An essential link in the cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) process is communication of results. While this is described between NBS programs and primary care providers, data of this occurrence is limited with neonatologists. Neonatology providers represent a group caring for critically ill infants with conditions that can impact their ability to complete diagnostic testing after an abnormal NBS. Delays in testing can prolong time to diagnosis. We fielded a survey to assess neonatology provider knowledge and awareness of the Pennsylvania state CF NBS algorithm after an update occurred. Provider demographics, awareness of CF NBS update, and knowledge of the diagnostic testing process were measured. 86% of respondents were unaware of Pennsylvania CF NBS updates. Provider comfort with interpreting CF NBS results varied. 40% of providers identified the next diagnostic testing steps for a critically ill infant following an abnormal CF NBS. Our survey emphasizes the need for educating neonatology providers about CF NBS to improve knowledge and awareness of CF NBS algorithms to facilitate the early diagnosis of affected infants.

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