Abstract
Objective The study aimed to assess the practice of delayed cord clamping (DCC) and the awareness
of its benefits for newborns between Obstetric (OB) and neonatal physicians. We examined
if provider characteristics including years of experience, level of training, familiarity
of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)/American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, institutional policy, and the racial and ethnic
background of patient population were associated with implementation of DCC.
Study Design This research is a cross-sectional online questionnaire study.
Results 975 questionnaires were returned. Overall, the awareness of ACOG versus AAP recommendations
was 94 versus 86% (p < 0.01). 86 versus 78% of OB and neonatal physicians practiced or witnessed DCC >50%
of the time, respectively (p < 0.01). An equal number of OB and neonatal physicians believed in the benefits to
newborns of DCC. Physicians with >10 years of practice were less likely to acknowledge
DCC benefits. Physicians with a majority of non-White patients were less likely to
practice/witness DCC (p < 0.05).
Conclusion There continues to be room for improvement in the practice of DCC. Institutional
policies and awareness of ACOG/AAP recommendations impact the understanding of the
benefits of DCC and the likelihood of the practice. There is a significant difference
in the practice of DCC among patients with different racial backgrounds. Hospital
leadership may consider investing in the education and implementation of updated guidelines
to ensure DCC is routinely practiced.
Key Points
Knowledge of AAP/ACOG and institutional policies improved the practice of DCC.
There is racial disparity in the practice of DCC.
Physicians in practice for >10 years were less likely to know the benefits of DCC
to full-term neonates.
Keywords delayed cord clamping - umbilical cord - newborn
