Rapid-cycle deliberate practice improves time to defibrillation and reduces workload: A randomized controlled trial...

The optimal structure of simulation to train teams to perform pediatric advanced life support (PALS) requires further research. Most simulation is structured with an uninterrupted scenario with postsimulation debriefing (PSD). Rapid-cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) is structured with a series of simulations with microdebriefing quickly switching within action targeting specific performance goals.

The objective was to compare team performance immediately after training, as well as learner workload, for teams trained using either PSD or RCDP.

In 2018-2019, a total of 41 interprofessional teams of 210 residents and nurses were recruited from 250 eligible participants (84%) and randomized into either arm (RCDP or PSD) teaching the same objectives of resuscitation of a patient in PEA arrest, in the same time frame. The structure of the simulation varied. Demographic surveys were collected before training, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was administered immediately after training to assess workload during training and performance was assessed immediately after training using a pulseless ventricular tachycardia arrest with the primary outcome being time to defibrillation.

Thirty-nine teams participated over a 16-month time span. Performance of teams randomized to RCDP showed significantly better time to defibrillation, 100 s (95% confidence interval [CI] = 90-111), compared to PSD groups, 163 s (95% CI = 120-201). The workload of the groups also showed a lower total NASA-TLX score for the RCDP groups.

For team-based time-sensitive training of PALS, RCDP outperformed PSD. This may be due to a reduction in the workload faced by teams during training.