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Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening practices and plans to implement routine pulse oximetry screening among Massachusetts hospitals and birth centers
Methods: Surveys were mailed to all 47 maternity hospitals and two birth centers in the state. The survey included questions about the hospital's screening protocol; plans for implementation; and capacity for follow-up diagnosis, treatment, and referrals for positive screens.
Results: MDPH received responses from all hospitals and birth centers. Whereas the two birth centers did not routinely screen for CCHD, 11 of the 47 hospitals (23%) reported performing the screening at the time of the survey. Of the 36 hospitals that reported not performing the screening, 19 (40%) had plans to implement screening, and 12 (26%) were still considering the screening. Four (9%) had not considered screening, and one hospital had decided against implementation. A comparison of hospital protocols in use revealed wide variation, including in the timing of screens, oxygen saturation thresholds, and follow-up procedures.
Conclusion: Members present at the final work group meeting unanimously agreed that MDPH should provide a single set of hospital screening guidelines to facilitate a more coordinated approach to implementation.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the potential role of birth defects surveillance programs in coordinating a statewide approach to a new screening recommendation on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP)
Keywords: Birth Defects, Screening
Not Answered