Evaluation of care in neonatal-perinatal medicine: A joint position paper with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

OBJECTIVE

To assist providers of neonatal-perinatal care in the evaluation of present and future practices to optimize benefits for patients.

METHODS

Members of the Canadian Paediatric Society Fetus and Newborn Committee and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Maternal-Fetal Medicine Committee reviewed published information on principles of evaluation of care. Selections of published clinical trials in neonatal-perinatal care were used to illustrate specific items.

RESULTS

After determining the clinical importance of the area to be considered, appropriate methods should be used to evaluate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. The ability to generalize information to guide care of specific patients must be determined. Consideration of costs may use recognized criteria that consider effectiveness, side effects, financial implications and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Introduction of new treatments to daily practice should be based on demonstrated clinical benefits of treatment, relative freedom from unwanted side effects and cost effectiveness. Application of these principles for neonatal-perinatal care (and other areas) is essential for the modern clinician.