The SimCom-Method: Impact of Simulated Communication Teaching in Pediatric Resuscitation Scenarios

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Communication Skills Training
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Effective communication is vital when delivering bad news to families, but often inadequate.
• This study assessed a communication teaching session's impact on breaking bad news in pediatric resuscitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a simulation-based communication teaching session.
• To improve the quality of breaking difficult news in pediatric resuscitation settings.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized controlled trial involving 46 medical students at the Medical University of Vienna.
• Participants engaged in a pediatric high-fidelity resuscitation simulation ending in a child's death.
• The intervention group received a brief communication teaching session before the simulation; conversations were video-recorded.

Main Results:

• The intervention group significantly outperformed the control group.
• Simulation parents rated intervention participants' competence higher (p<.001).
• Video analysis confirmed better conversation structure, clearer language, and enhanced nonverbal communication in the intervention group (p<.001).

Conclusions:

• The SimCom-Method is feasible and effective for improving communication when breaking bad news.
• Brief, just-in-time communication training before simulation significantly enhances skills.
• Integrating such training into resuscitation curricula is crucial for supporting families.