Simulation training improves team dynamics and performance in a low-resource cardiac intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

• Simulation training is common in high-income countries but understudied in low-resource pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICUs).
• The feasibility and impact of simulation on team performance in these specific environments remain largely undemonstrated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of low-fidelity simulation-based crisis resource management training.
• To evaluate improvements in team dynamics and performance in a low-resource pediatric CICU.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving 23 healthcare providers in a Southeast Asian pediatric CICU.
• A 5-day training program incorporating didactic sessions and simulation exercises.
• Assessment of team dynamics via questionnaires, expert evaluations, and video analysis of intervention times and communication.

Main Results:

• Participants reported significant improvements in team dynamics and performance.
• Video analysis showed a significant decrease in time to intervention.
• A significant increase in the frequency of closed-loop communication was observed post-training.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training is feasible and effective in enhancing team dynamics and performance in resource-limited pediatric CICUs.
• This training modality shows potential for overcoming communication barriers in such critical care settings.