Purpose: Simulation-based training has the potential to improve team-based care. We hypothesized that implementation of an in situ multidisciplinary simulation-based training program would improve provider confidence in team-based management of severely injured pediatric trauma patients. Methods: An in situ multidisciplinary pediatric trauma simulation-based training program with structured debriefing was implemented at a free-standing children’s hospital. Trauma providers were anonymously surveyed one month before (pre-), one month after (post-), and two years after implementation. Results: Survey response rate was 49% (n=93/190) pre-simulation, 22% (n=42/190) post-simulation, and 79% (n=150/190) at two-year follow-up. These providers reported more anxiety (p=0.01) and less confidence (p=0.02) one-month post-simulation. At two-year follow-up, trained providers reported less anxiety (p=0.02) and greater confidence (p=0.01), compared to untrained providers. Conclusions: Implementation of an in situ multidisciplinary pediatric trauma simulation-based training program may initially lead to increased anxiety, but long-term exposure may lead to greater confidence. Level of Evidence: II. Prospective cohort.

Studies of diagnostic accuracy - Level 2.

No abstract