JBI COnNECT symposium

  Neonatal COnNECT Abstract

 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) #4 to decrease mortality under 5 years of age and the recognition that the majority of this mortality is related to the neonatal and infancy period has brought clinicians, educators, researchers, and funders together to set forth an action plan to address this goal. The risk factors for this mortality are global.  Evidence based guidelines and translational projects are imperative to address these needs.  For neonatal nurses and other health professionals especially in developing countries access to these resources is limited. Neonatal COnNECT affords the Joanna Briggs Institute of Oklahoma (JBIO) and neonatal specialists through the JBIO connections with the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing’s (OUCON) Affiliate WHO Collaborating Center and the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) as the JBIO Deputy Director and Dean of the OUCON is the President, to review and comment on existing systematic reviews, synthesize information, and assist with evidence utilization in the clinical areas.  The portal is the first of its kind to openly share evidence based resources specific to the neonatal community.

 This portal will use the existing networks through OUCON’s WHO center and the regional contacts covering over 50 countries through COINN.  This portal will build on the experience of those two groups to bring together doctors, nurses, physical therapists, developmental specialists, as well as other health professionals interested in neonatal care.  The ultimate goal is to impact MDG #4 and to improve the quality of care provided to neonates and their families.