Pediatric Code White! - Interprofessional collaboration in the management of youths who are agitated: a simulation pilot

Abstract

A pediatric pilot simulation for health profession students was offered as a 2-h workshop. This interprofessional educational (IPE) activity focused on interprofessional management of a youth who is agitated (YWA). The aim of the pilot was to improve students' comfort and preparedness for these situations. Enrolment was limited to 12 learners to maximize engagement, and 10 learners from five disciplines participated. To assess the pilot, learners were invited to complete surveys before and after the pilot simulation to share their experiences in engaging with patients and youths who were agitated. Likert median scores of learners' preparedness changed before and after the pilot, regarding their abilities to: 1) recognize signs of agitation (3.0 vs. 3.5, p = 0.06), maintain personal safety (2.5 vs 3.0, p = 0.008), de-escalate the situation (2.0 vs 3.0, p = 0.002) and work with other health professionals (3 vs 4, p = 0.02). On a 7-point global change scale, learners had a positive change in their comfort level to interact with a YWA, ranging 5 (somewhat better) to 7 (much better). Learners' feedback showed that the pilot simulation gave them opportunities to work on several IPE domains listed in the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaboratives' IPE Competency framework (Team Communications, Collaborative Relationships, Collaborative Leadership and Team Functioning). This Pediatric Code White pilot simulation enhanced learners' overall comfort and preparedness for working with YWA after this pilot simulation, satisfying the learning objectives of the knowledge and skills domains, and addressing several IPE competency domains. Understanding and managing the psychosocial care of youth in healthcare environments are an important and can positively inform learners’ future practices.