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A survey of basic resuscitation knowledge among resident paediatricians
P W Buss1, M McCabe, R J Evans
1Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, University of Wales.
Insights
Resident paediatricians demonstrated significant gaps in basic pediatric resuscitation knowledge, particularly in airway management and fluid resuscitation. Findings highlight an urgent need for improved training in pediatric emergency care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Medical Education
Background:
- Resident pediatricians are crucial for managing critically ill children.
- Existing training may not adequately cover essential resuscitation skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current knowledge and confidence levels of resident pediatricians in basic pediatric resuscitation.
- To identify specific areas of deficiency in pediatric resuscitation skills.
Main Methods:
- A telephone questionnaire was administered to 88 resident pediatricians across four health regions.
- Knowledge was evaluated through scenario-based questions and self-expressed confidence.
Main Results:
- A significant number of residents (55%) incorrectly sized endotracheal tubes for a pediatric airway emergency.
- Adequate fluid management for hemorrhagic shock was provided by only 49% of respondents.
- Intraosseous vascular access was mentioned by only 26% of residents for critically ill children.
- Low confidence (41%) and a high demand for further training (94%) were reported.
Conclusions:
- There is a demonstrable deficit in basic pediatric resuscitation knowledge among resident pediatricians.
- Targeted interventions and enhanced training programs are necessary at both local and national levels to improve pediatric emergency care competence.
Abstract:
A telephone questionnaire was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge of resident paediatricians on the subject of the basic resuscitation of the acutely sick child. The questionnaire was targeted at 88 resident paediatricians in hospitals accepting paediatric emergencies in four health regions. Outcome was measured as a correct response to questions based on several emergency scenarios and on the confidence expressed of basic resuscitation knowledge. The subject of emergency management of the child with a compromised upper airway was poorly answered with 40/73 (55%) resident paediatricians suggesting an incorrect endotracheal tube size for an 8 year old child. Fluid management was also deemed unsatisfactory with only 36/73 (49%) providing adequate transfusion secondary to haemorrhagic shock. In addition only 19/73 (26%) mentioned the intraosseous route as a means of obtaining vascular access in a child in extremis. Confidence of the knowledge of basic resuscitation of children was low among resident paediatricians with only 30/73 (41%) expressing confidence and 69/73 (94%) expressing a desire for more formal training in paediatric resuscitation. Resident paediatricians are usually the key personnel in the management of very sick children. This survey demonstrates a low level of basic resuscitation knowledge among resident paediatricians of all grades that must be remedied at a local and national level.