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A novel mechanism for simulation of partial seizures in an infant
Daniel Lemke1, Dan Feux, Cara Doughty
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin St, Suite A2210, Houston, TX 77030, USA. dslemke@texaschildrens.org
Insights
This study introduces an affordable, novel mechanism using bicycle parts to simulate partial seizures in high-fidelity infant mannequins. This innovation enhances pediatric emergency training by providing realistic seizure scenarios for medical professionals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Pediatric seizures are a common emergency, affecting 4-6% of children by age 16.
- Seizures complicate critical illness and resuscitation scenarios.
- Existing high-fidelity simulators may lack built-in seizure simulation capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an inexpensive, novel mechanism for simulating partial seizures in the SimBaby mannequin.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of this mechanism in high-fidelity in situ simulations.
Main Methods:
- A mountain bike brake lever, cable, and housing were adapted and integrated into the SimBaby mannequin.
- The mechanism allowed for remote activation of simulated seizures by an instructor.
- The system was utilized in emergency department in situ simulations.
Main Results:
- The novel mechanism successfully simulated partial seizures in the SimBaby mannequin.
- Simulation participants accurately recognized the infant seizing and responded appropriately to various critical scenarios.
- The instructor could unobtrusively control the seizure simulation.
Conclusions:
- A novel, low-cost mechanism effectively replicates partial seizures in a pediatric simulator.
- This innovation enhances the realism and training value of high-fidelity simulations for pediatric emergencies.
- Commonly available bicycle components offer a practical solution for advanced simulation needs.
Introduction:
Seizures are a common pediatric emergency, occurring in 4% to 6% of all children by the age of 16 years. Seizures are also present in many patients with critical illness requiring resuscitation. Whereas some high-fidelity simulators have built-in seizure mechanisms, others do not. We report a novel inexpensive mechanism replicating a partial seizure in the SimBaby mannequin and the use of this mechanism in several high-fidelity in situ simulations.
Methods:
A brake lever set and a brake cable/housing for a mountain bike were attached under the skin of the SimBaby mannequin, through the groin, out of the axilla, and around the left arm. The cable was hidden under sheets and taped to the floor. The cable length allowed the controller to be several feet away from the mannequin while controlling the seizures. In our emergency department in situ simulations, this person is the educator who runs the mannequin or a confederate participating in the scenario.
Results:
The instructor controlling the seizure mechanism was able to stand unobtrusively in the corner during the in situ simulations and activate the seizure as indicated. Simulation participants clearly recognized that the infant was seizing and reacted appropriately as per the scenario (status epilepticus, head trauma, and tricyclic antidepressant ingestion).
Conclusions:
We report a novel and inexpensive mechanism to accurately simulate partial seizures, using commonly available inexpensive bicycle components.
