Speaking the Same Language in Neonatal Resuscitation
Why Standardized Terminology Matters More Than Ever
Words matter.
In neonatal resuscitation, the terms we use every day shape how we communicate, teach, conduct research, and ultimately care for newborn infants. Yet despite decades of advances in neonatal medicine, terminology has often evolved differently across countries, organizations, and even individual hospitals.
What one clinician calls a prolonged inflation, another may refer to as a sustained inflation. Respiratory support devices, ventilation strategies, and even descriptions of delivery room interventions are sometimes reported differently between studies.
These differences may seem minor, but they create important challenges.
Why is this a problem?
Scientific progress depends on being able to compare studies accurately.
If researchers use different words to describe the same intervention—or the same words to describe different interventions—it becomes difficult to compare results, perform systematic reviews, or develop evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Inconsistent terminology can also complicate education, international collaboration, and communication between healthcare professionals.
Simply put, we cannot effectively compare studies if we are not speaking the same language.
What did we do?
Recognizing this challenge, an international group of neonatal experts collaborated to develop standardized terminology for neonatal resuscitation.
The goal was not to change clinical practice, but rather to create a common vocabulary that researchers, clinicians, educators, and guideline developers can use consistently.
By defining commonly used terms and recommending standardized language, this work aims to improve clarity in research publications, facilitate international collaboration, and strengthen future evidence synthesis.
Why does this matter?
Standardized terminology offers benefits far beyond scientific publications.
It improves communication between multidisciplinary teams caring for newborn infants.
It makes educational programs more consistent for trainees and healthcare professionals.
It allows researchers around the world to compare studies more accurately.
And perhaps most importantly, it strengthens the evidence used to develop future neonatal resuscitation guidelines.
When everyone speaks the same language, knowledge can be shared more effectively.
Looking Ahead
As neonatal resuscitation continues to evolve, new technologies and therapies will inevitably introduce new terminology.
Having an internationally accepted framework for naming and describing interventions will help ensure that future research remains consistent, transparent, and comparable.
This work represents an important step toward improving not only how we communicate, but also how we generate and apply evidence in neonatal resuscitation.
Take-Home Message
Standardized terminology may not be as exciting as a new device or a new treatment, but it is one of the foundations of high-quality science.
By speaking the same language, clinicians and researchers can better compare studies, collaborate across borders, improve guideline development, and ultimately provide better care for newborn infants.
Because advancing neonatal care begins with clear communication.
Research4Babies
Advancing neonatal research. Sharing knowledge. Improving newborn lives.
Reference:
Consistency of definitions used in International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support documents. Guinsburg R, de Almeida MF, Byrne BJ, Finan E, Fabres J, Kawakami MD, Hogeveen M, Rüdiger M, Rabi Y, Schmölzer GM, Wyckoff MH, Weiner GM, Liley HG; International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force†; International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. Resusc Plus. 2026 Jul 17;30:101414. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2026.101414. eCollection 2026 Jul.
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