Pediatric Quality Improvement (QI) Virtual Practicum: Adapting a QI Simulator

Pediatric residencies are expected to arm trainees with skills in quality improvement (QI) that allow trainees to systematically enhance their own practice. Simulation has been shown to be effective in teaching QI, but there are no published QI simulation tools that target pediatric learners.

We adapted a previously developed QI simulation to include a case relevant for pediatric residents. Participants devised interventions using basic QI principles with iterative feedback from facilitators with knowledge of QI methodology. Changes in resident knowledge, attitudes about the curriculum, and depth of engagement in QI were assessed using pre- and posttests, surveys, and assessment of independent QI activities performed prior to graduation, respectively.

Eighty-two residents completed the simulation. Of the 76 residents who completed both the pre- and posttests, which each had a total possible score of 28 points, 68% had improved posttest scores, with an average score increase of 2.6 points (SD = 0.6, p < .001). Improvements were most pronounced for residents that scored in the lowest quartile on the pretest. After the simulation, residents reported greater confidence in and likelihood of completing a QI initiative. There was no difference in the level of involvement in future independent QI activities completed by residents who were simulation participants compared with nonparticipants.

Adapting a previously published QI simulation for pediatric residents was feasible and effective, and the QI simulation was well-liked by learners. Those with lower baseline QI knowledge may have the most to gain from this simulation.