Simulation-based pediatric training: A French national survey.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Assessing pediatric medical simulation is crucial for enhancing teaching quality and offerings.
• A national overview of simulation-based teaching in pediatrics in France was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the scope and current status of simulation-based teaching in pediatrics across France.
• To understand the resources and activities within French pediatric simulation centers.

Main Methods:

• A national survey was conducted among all French university hospitals from May to August 2018.
• Heads of simulation centers or pediatric simulation leads received a standardized Google Form®.
• Descriptive analyses compared centers based on the presence of university trainers and research activity.

Main Results:

• All 34 surveyed teaching hospitals responded, with 31 possessing a simulation center.
• A median of nine trainers per center was reported, with simulation primarily used for communication, teamwork, and technical/relational skills.
• High-fidelity newborn mannequins were used by all centers, and 84% utilized low-fidelity ones. Research activity was reported by 45% of centers, but only 28% had publications.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric simulation centers in France have grown by 158% in six years, indicating substantial development.
• No significant differences were found between centers with or without university trainers or research activity.
• Future research should focus on evaluating the impact of simulation programs on physician competency and patient outcomes.