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Published on: January 15, 2017
Educational impact of a pilot paediatric simulation-based training course in Botswana
Nicolaus W Glomb1, Manish I Shah2, Adeola A Kosoko3
1Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA.
BMJ Simulation & Technology Enhanced Learning
|May 6, 2022
Summary
Low-fidelity simulation training significantly improved paediatric knowledge and skills for emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Botswana. This training enhanced self-efficacy and performance in critical paediatric care areas, proving effective in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Emergency Medicine
- Global Health
Background:
- Paediatric training is crucial for developing emergency medical services (EMS) in resource-limited settings.
- Low-fidelity simulation is an effective training method, but data on its impact in this context is limited.
- This study evaluated a simulation-based paediatric curriculum for prehospital providers in Botswana.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a simulation-based paediatric curriculum for prehospital providers.
- To measure changes in self-efficacy and performance in paediatric emergency care.
- To gather feedback on the training program's utility.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 31 EMS providers in Botswana.
- A 2-day training program included lectures, skills stations, and low-fidelity simulation.
- Data collected on self-efficacy, written tests, and simulation-based performance.
Main Results:
- Participant self-efficacy increased in 87% of queried variables, notably in airway management and newborn resuscitation.
- Mean written test scores improved by 10.6%, and simulation test scores by 21.5% (p<0.0001).
- 100% of participants found the course extremely or very useful.
Conclusions:
- Low-fidelity simulation training can enhance paediatric knowledge and skills for EMS providers in developing systems.
- The training demonstrated short-term benefits in a limited-resource setting.
- Further research should explore long-term outcomes and real-world patient impact.
