Development and Pilot Testing of Telesimulation for Pediatric Feeding: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Telehealth
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telepractice, including simulation delivery.
• Telesimulation requires specific adaptations for effective remote training.
• Infant feeding management is a critical skill area for speech-language pathologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and pilot test the feasibility of telesimulation for infant feeding management training.
• To identify necessary adaptations for delivering simulation via telepractice.
• To gather user feedback on the telesimulation experience.

Main Methods:

• An iterative four-phase process was employed: simulation design, telesimulation adaptations, and two phases of user testing.
• Adaptations included utilizing Zoom® functions and supplementary media.
• Feedback was collected through surveys and focus groups, analyzed using manifest content analysis.

Main Results:

• Eleven speech pathologists participated in user testing.
• Feedback covered preparation, session practicalities, realism, technology, group dynamics, and user experience.
• Recommendations for telesimulation were generated.

Conclusions:

• Telesimulation for infant feeding management is feasible and received positive participant feedback.
• The study generated recommendations for optimizing telesimulation delivery.
• Further research is needed to compare telesimulation learner outcomes with in-person simulation.