Retention of pediatric resuscitation performance after a simulation-based mastery learning session: a multicenter...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Resuscitation Training
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) trains residents to a predefined performance standard in resuscitation.
• Performance retention after intensive SBML sessions typically lasts 12-14 months.
• The duration of performance retention after a single, shorter SBML session is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the duration of mastery-level resuscitation performance retention after a single 1- to 2-hour simulation-based mastery learning session.
• To assess performance degradation over time following SBML.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, prospective trial was conducted in a medical simulation laboratory.
• 42 pediatric residents underwent baseline resuscitation performance assessment on four standardized scenarios.
• Residents repeated scenarios until mastery was achieved, then were randomized for retesting at 2, 4, or 6 months.

Main Results:

• Overall resuscitation performance improved at retesting across all scenarios.
• A significant linear decline in mastery-level performance retention was observed over time (p = 0.039).
• Retention rates were 92% at 2 months, 71% at 4 months, and 56% at 6 months, with no difference across resident PGY levels.

Conclusions:

• A single SBML session significantly improves resuscitation performance but leads to performance decline over time.
• Less than 60% of residents retained mastery at 6 months post-intervention.
• Frequent refresher training is recommended after single SBML sessions to maintain resuscitation skills.