Medical simulation topic interests in a pediatric healthcare system

Encouraged by evidence suggesting that simulation-based educational programs can translate to improved patient care, interest and investment in medical simulation have grown considerably in the past decade. Despite such growth, simulation is still a developing field, and little is known of the perceived needs for simulation training among practicing clinicians. This study describes medical simulation interests among clinicians in a pediatric health care system.

A web-based survey addressing previous medical simulation experience, medical simulation interests, and demographics was distributed to physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists within a pediatric healthcare system in the Delaware Valley.

All three groups expressed the highest level of interest in simulated resuscitation events ("mock codes") and the least interest in simulations involving communication and electronic medical records. "Airway problems" was identified as the most popular medical simulation topic of interest. Although the rank order of interest in medical simulation categories was similar across groups, physicians reported the lowest levels of interest in all simulation categories. Characteristics such as previous simulation experience and group (eg, nurses and respiratory therapists) were associated with medical simulation interests. Years in practice did not impact interest.

For adult learners, educational experiences should be targeted to the learners' perceived needs but should also address unrecognized deficits. Collectively, physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists were most interested in participating in simulations addressing "codes" (emergency resuscitations) and airway management; these perceptions may provide a focus for designing simulation events that appeal to diverse learning styles. Prior experience with medical simulation seems to increase interest in subsequent simulation activities and offers the optimistic possibility that first-hand experience with simulation may help overcome structural and cultural barriers. Future research should seek to better understand potential obstacles for the participation of healthcare providers, especially physicians, in simulation-enhanced learning.