A Simulation Competition on Neonatal Resuscitation as a New Educational Tool for Pediatric Residents

Abstract

Background: Training programs on resuscitation have been developed using simulation-based learning to build skills, strengthen cognitive strategies, and improve team performance. This is especially important for residency programs where reduced working hours and high numbers of residents can reduce the educational opportunities during the residency, with lower exposure to practical procedures and prolonged length of training. Within this context, gamification has gained popularity in teaching and learning activities. This report describes the implementation of a competition format in the context of newborn resuscitation and participants’ perceptions of the educational experience. Methods: Thirty-one teams of three Italian pediatric residents participated in a 3-day simulation competition on neonatal resuscitation. The event included an introductory lecture, familiarization time, and competition time in a tournament-like structure using high-fidelity simulation stations. Each match was evaluated by experts in neonatal resuscitation and followed by a debriefing. The scenarios and debriefings of simulation station #1 were live broadcasted in the central auditorium where teams not currently competing could observe. At the end of the event, participants received an online survey regarding their perceptions of the educational experience. Results: 81/93 (87%) participants completed the survey. Training before the event mostly included reviewing protocols and textbooks. Low-fidelity manikins were the most available simulation tools at the residency programs. Overall, the participants were satisfied with the event and appreciated the live broadcast of scenarios and debriefings in the auditorium. Most participants felt that the event improved their knowledge and self-confidence and stimulated them to be more involved in high-fidelity simulations. Suggested areas of improvement included more time for familiarization and improved communication between judges and participants during the debriefing. Conclusions: Participants appreciated the simulation competition. They self-perceived the educational impact of the event and felt that it improved their knowledge and self-confidence. Our findings suggest areas of improvements for further editions and may serve as an educational model for other institutions.

Gamified learning for resuscitation education: A systematic review

“…During full-text review, 42 articles were subsequently excluded, leaving 16 articles comprising the final review; 7 randomized trials (RCTs) and 9 observational studies (6 before and after studies, 3 survey-based studies). 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 Table 1 contains the characteristics of these included studies. The PRISMA diagram for the reviewis shown in Fig.…”

“… 8 , 9 Two studies used gamification elements (tournament format or prizes awarded) to incentivize participation in simulation training. 19 , 20 One study used an ‘escape room’ format for emergency medicine resident training. 18 Only one study used actual patient care (primary survey patient assessments during actual resuscitations) as an indirect outcome 19 ; none of the remaining studies examined clinical outcomes.…”

“…Healthcare providers were the learners in 14 studies 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 ; 2 studies examined laypeople (high school students) as learners. 16 , 17 Five studies examined performance between groups or teams 9 , 10 , 17 , 18 , 20 ; and the remaining 12 studies examined individual performance. Six studies used adult scenarios 6 , 10 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ; 5 used paediatric scenarios 7 , 12 , 13 , 18 , 19 ; 5 used neonatal scenarios.…”

“…Six studies used adult scenarios 6 , 10 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ; 5 used paediatric scenarios 7 , 12 , 13 , 18 , 19 ; 5 used neonatal scenarios. 5 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 20 The risk of bias assessment ( Table 2 ) found that 15 of 16 studies had moderate to high risk of bias, with one study having low risk.…”

“…18 Another observational study of resident teams competing in a tournament-format neonatal simulation course found high ratings from the majority of surveyed participants. 20 …”