Simulation-Based Training in Brain Death Determination Incorporating Family Discussion

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neurology
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Physician communication skills are crucial but often overestimated.
• Training in challenging communication, like delivering brain death news, is limited.
• Simulation offers a resource-sensitive approach to skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a simulation program for diagnosing brain death.
• To train residents in empathetic communication with families about brain death.
• To evaluate the program's impact on clinical and verbal skills.

Main Methods:

• A 3-day simulation program for neurology residents (2015-2017).
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments included brain death diagnosis and family discussion simulations.
• Scoring covered clinical, apnea test, and verbal communication skills.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in all assessed areas post-intervention.
• Clinical assessment skills improved from 45% to 76% (P < .001).
• Apnea testing skills improved from 57% to 92% (P < .001), and verbal communication from 46% to 73% (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training is effective for brain death diagnosis and apnea testing.
• The program enhanced residents' ability to communicate sensitively with families.
• This approach benefits medical education for critical care communication.