Initiation of a pediatric mock code program at a children's hospital

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Resuscitation
• Simulation Training

Background:

• Pediatric cardiopulmonary arrests are infrequent events.
• Mock codes were implemented to enhance preparedness for real-life emergencies.
• The study aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in pediatric resuscitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the resuscitation skills of medical caregivers in pediatric settings.
• To evaluate the impact of mock code interventions on resident confidence and perceived skill levels.
• To identify specific areas within pediatric resuscitation requiring further educational focus.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed confidence in pediatric resuscitation skills among pediatric and internal medicine/pediatric residents.
• Twenty mock code simulations were conducted over a one-year period.
• Statistical analyses compared pre- and post-intervention survey results, and contrasted different resident levels (PGY1-3) and specialties (pediatric vs. med/peds).

Main Results:

• Residents reported a significant improvement in overall perceived skill levels post-intervention (p < 0.0001).
• Confidence levels increased with resident experience (PGY3 > PGY2 > PGY1) both pre- and post-mock codes (p < 0.0001).
• Internal medicine/pediatric residents demonstrated higher confidence than pediatric residents post-intervention (p = 0.016).
• Lowest post-intervention scores were for interosseous line placement and cardiac dysrhythmia management.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric mock codes effectively enhance resident confidence and self-assessed resuscitation skills.
• Simulation-based training is a valuable tool for pediatric medical education.
• Survey data can inform the development of targeted, skill-based educational initiatives for pediatric resuscitation.