[Systematic assessment of the paediatrician's performance during simulated supraventricular tachycardia]

The aims of this study are to: a) assess the quality in clinical management during a simulated scenario of acute supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by means of a structured task-based checklist and to b) detect pitfalls and grey areas where reinforcement in training may be needed.

We systematically reviewed SVT simulated scenarios during simulation courses between June 2008 and April 2010. Three scenarios were programmed using SimBaby® simulation system, and included stable SVT (S-SVT), stable progressing to unstable SVT (SU-SVT) and unstable SVT (U-SVT). Scenarios were evaluated by means of an 18-task checklist based on ILCOR international recommendations.

A total of 45 scenarios were assessed with the participation of 167 paediatricians, including 15 S-SVT, 25 SU-SVT and 5 U-SVT scenarios. Out of a total of 551 possible tasks, 328 (59.5%) were completed correctly. The mean percentage of correct tasks per scenario was 63.4 (16.7) for S-SVT, 47.8 (20.3) for SU-ST and 38.6 (31) for U-SVT (p=0.028). There were no significant differences between primary care paediatricians and hospital paediatricians. Most of the participants correctly identified non-sinus rhythm as SVT. However, important pitfalls were observed, including failure to identify haemodynamic instability in 20 out of 43 (48%) cases, an incorrect dose of adenosine in 18 out of 39 (48%), incorrect adenosine administration in 23 out of 39 (59%), and non-recognition of indication to emergent cardioversion in 15 out of 31 (48%).

Paediatricians are able to diagnose SVT correctly, but need to improve their skills in treatment. Systematic analysis of clinical performance in a simulated scenario allows the identification of strengths, as well as weak points, where reinforcement is needed.