Interdisciplinary onsite team-based simulation training in the neonatal intensive care unit: a pilot report

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Medical Simulation
• Healthcare Team Training

Background:

• Individual simulation training enhances clinician confidence and performance.
• Resuscitation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a critical team event.
• Limited data exist on team-based simulation training (TBST) effectiveness in the NICU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the experience and feasibility of implementing team-based simulation training (TBST) in a Level IV NICU over a 4-year period.
• To identify system and educational improvements through TBST in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 65 team-based simulation training (TBST) events conducted over 4 years in a 71-bed Level IV NICU.
• Involved over 500 NICU staff, including physicians, fellows, nurse practitioners, residents, nurses, and respiratory therapists.
• Utilized both high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation systems during day, night, and weekend sessions.

Main Results:

• Identified and corrected system issues, such as code pathway activation and pager system use.
• Addressed educational needs in areas like arrhythmias and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Highlighted confusion over resuscitation team roles and responsibilities, leading to targeted improvements.

Conclusions:

• Team-based simulation training (TBST) is a feasible and realistic educational strategy for busy neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• TBST effectively identifies system-level and team dynamic issues requiring correction.
• This training modality contributes to improved team performance and patient safety in neonatal resuscitation.