Currently accepted at: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jun 21, 2026
Date Accepted: Oct 30, 2026
Date Submitted to PubMed: Nov 4, 2026
This paper has been accepted and is currently in production.
It will appear shortly on 10.2196/105196
The final accepted version (not copyedited yet) is in this tab.
An "ahead-of-print" version has been submitted to Pubmed, see PMID: 42980696
Advanced Wireless Sensors for Neonatal Care in the Delivery Room - the AWARD Prospective International Study: A Research Protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
The first hours of life are vital for the transition between intra and extra uterine life. Indeed, every year approximately 6 million neonates do not breathe immediately after birth, requiring resuscitation. Guidelines recommend monitoring of heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and skin temperature (Tskin) during resuscitation efforts. These vital signs are monitored using skin sensors connected to wires attached to monitors. In contrast, after uncomplicated deliveries, infants doing well usually stay with their parents to promote bonding, without any monitoring. However, the first 2h of life is the higher risk period for the occurrence of a rare condition called Sudden Unexpected Post-Natal Collapse (SUPC), which is linked to asphyxiation mostly occurring during unsupervised Kangaroo Care (KC), and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there is a critical gap for monitoring technologies that can be used in the delivery room and immediate post-partum care.
Objective:
To investigate the feasibility, accuracy and safety of a low-cost advanced wireless monitoring technology applied immediately after birth and during the first two hours life
Methods:
Prospective study involving 2 phases. Phase 1 will be a pilot study conducted at a single center, to understand many aspects involved in the use of this new technology from birth up to 2h of age. Phase 2 will be a multicenter international study. All studies will use the same methodology, with the necessary adjustments between phases.
Results:
Funding for this study was received in 2024 from the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. Participant recruitment and data collection of phase 1 began as of March 2025 and is still ongoing. Phase 2 recruitment and data collection will begin in 2026. Dissemination of results of this study are expected to be puplished in 2026 and 2027.
Conclusions:
Results of the AWARD study may lead to the use of wireless technologies for monitoring of vital signs immediately after birth and during the first two hours of age. Clinical Trial: NCT06693817
Citation
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