Improving Procedural Skills, Teamwork and Confidence in just One Day: A NICU Fellow Boot Camp

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Objective: To develop a compact, simulation-based orientation session aimed at improving confidence and teamwork amongst new trainees.  Methods: Two cohorts of five fellows participated in the one-day boot camp. Confidence in team leading and neonatal procedures was assessed using a pre and post survey administered on the day of boot camp as well as a delayed post-test after 6 months. Teamwork and communication were assessed using the TEAM scale. Results: We found that fellows confidence was significantly improved in 5 out of 6 categories (team leader in code (p < 0.001), team leader in delivery room (p < 0.001), decision making (p < 0.001), intubation (p < 0.001), chest tube placement (p < 0.001) and umbilical catheter placement (p = 0.09)). There was an overall improvement in teamwork, team leadership and communication throughout the day (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in self-reported confidence scores in all categories 6 months following boot camp. Conclusions: We demonstrated a significant improvement in confidence in first year neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows following a one-day simulation-based boot camp. The format for this boot camp could be emulated in institutions across the country to improve the confidence and skills of incoming fellows.