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Evaluation of a Pilot Project to Introduce Simulation-Based Team Training to Pediatric Surgery Trauma Room Care
Markus Lehner1, Ellen Heimberg2, Florian Hoffmann3
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Insights
This pilot study introduced a simulation-based team-training course for pediatric trauma care. The interdisciplinary training improved medical and nontechnical skills for healthcare professionals in German-speaking countries.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Trauma Care
- Simulation-Based Training
Background:
- Pediatric trauma care faces significant management challenges in prehospital and emergency settings.
- Existing training methods may not adequately address the complexities of pediatric trauma emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of a novel simulation-based team-training course for pediatric trauma care.
- To enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills in managing pediatric trauma patients.
Main Methods:
- An interdisciplinary team of physicians and nurses participated in a 1.5-day simulation-based training course.
- The course included theoretical introduction, simulator familiarization, six realistic pediatric trauma scenarios, and debriefings.
- Participants completed pre- and post-course questionnaires assessing medical knowledge, CRM skills, and course satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Participants reported high realism and relevance of the simulation scenarios to their clinical practice.
- The training led to perceived improvements in both medical and nontechnical (CRM) skills.
- Participants experienced no discomfort during the simulation scenarios or debriefings, indicating good acceptance.
Conclusions:
- This pilot project successfully implemented the first simulation-based team-training course for pediatric trauma care in German-speaking regions.
- The course demonstrated good acceptance and positive participant feedback regarding skill enhancement.
- Simulation-based training is a viable and effective method for improving pediatric trauma management and team performance.
Abstract:
Introduction. Several studies in pediatric trauma care have demonstrated substantial deficits in both prehospital and emergency department management. Methods. In February 2015 the PAEDSIM collaborative conducted a one and a half day interdisciplinary, simulation based team-training course in a simulated pediatric emergency department. 14 physicians from the medical fields of pediatric surgery, pediatric intensive care and emergency medicine, and anesthesia participated, as well as four pediatric nurses. After a theoretical introduction and familiarization with the simulator, course attendees alternately participated in six simulation scenarios and debriefings. Each scenario incorporated elements of pediatric trauma management as well as Crew Resource Management (CRM) educational objectives. Participants completed anonymous pre- and postcourse questionnaires and rated the course itself as well as their own medical qualification and knowledge of CRM. Results. Participants found the course very realistic and selected scenarios highly relevant to their daily work. They reported a feeling of improved medical and nontechnical skills as well as no uncomfortable feeling during scenarios or debriefings. Conclusion. To our knowledge this pilot-project represents the first successful implementation of a simulation-based team-training course focused on pediatric trauma care in German-speaking countries with good acceptance.
