Improvement of Immediate Performance in Neonatal Resuscitation Through Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Training

Simulation training is an effective method to teach neonatal resuscitation (NR), yet many pediatrics residents do not feel comfortable with NR. Rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) allows the facilitator to provide debriefing throughout the session. In RCDP, participants work through the scenario multiple times, eventually reaching more complex tasks once basic elements have been mastered.

We determined if pediatrics residents have improved observed abilities, confidence level, and recall in NR after receiving RCDP training compared to the traditional simulation debriefing method.

Thirty-eight pediatrics interns from a large academic training program were randomized to a teaching simulation session using RCDP or simulation debriefing methods. The primary outcome was the intern's cumulative score on the initial Megacode Assessment Form (MCAF). Secondary outcome measures included surveys of confidence level, recall MCAF scores at 4 months, and time to perform critical interventions.

Thirty-four interns were included in analysis. Interns in the RCDP group had higher initial MCAF scores (89% versus 84%, P < .026), initiated positive pressure ventilation within 1 minute (100% versus 71%, P < .05), and administered epinephrine earlier (152 s versus 180 s, P < .039). Recall MCAF scores were not different between the 2 groups.

Immediately following RCDP interns had improved observed abilities and decreased time to perform critical interventions in NR simulation as compared to those trained with the simulation debriefing. RCDP was not superior in improving confidence level or retention.