Rapid cycle deliberate practice improves resident performance during ELBW resuscitation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neonatology
• Simulation-based Learning

Background:

• Neonatal Resuscitation is a core competency for pediatric and family medicine residents.
• Simulation-based training enhances clinical experience in neonatal resuscitation.
• Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) is an effective, increasingly favored simulation model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of RCDP simulation intervention on extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant resuscitation skills.
• To assess the impact of RCDP on resident confidence in managing ELBW infants.

Main Methods:

• Pediatric and family practice residents were randomized into control and intervention groups.
• Both groups underwent pre- and post-rotation simulations, with the intervention group receiving one RCDP session.
• Performance was assessed via blinded video review (overall, PPV, intubation, behavioral skills), and confidence was measured by surveys.

Main Results:

• The RCDP group showed significantly better post-rotation performance in overall resuscitation (87% vs 65%), positive pressure ventilation (PPV) (88% vs 63%), and behavioral skills (2.0 vs 1.4) compared to the control group.
• Residents in the RCDP group reported higher confidence levels in performing ELBW resuscitation.
• Forty-one residents participated, with statistically significant improvements noted in the intervention group (p<0.05 for key metrics).

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based RCDP intervention effectively improved resident performance and confidence in ELBW resuscitation.
• RCDP is a valuable educational tool that should be considered for Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and ELBW resuscitation training.