What is the impact of simulation-based training for paediatric procedures on patient outcomes, cost and latent safety threats?

Background

Simulation-based training (SBT) provides a safe space for medical trainees to experience realistic scenarios. SBT has been found to improve trainee performance in paediatric procedures. However, limited evidence exists regarding its effects on higher-level outcomes. This scoping review aims to identify studies that investigate the impact of SBT for procedural skills on T3 (patient outcomes) and T4 level outcomes (latent safety threats [LSTs], and hospital level costs) in paediatrics.

Methods

Full-text articles were included if they focused on medical trainees, used simulation training for paediatric procedures and reported T3/T4 level outcomes. Six databases were searched from January 2011 to September 2022. Search strategies were developed with the assistance of a librarian. Three independent reviewers performed pilot screenings before title/abstract and full-text screenings. A data extraction sheet was created to gather information on interventions, outcomes, research design, and other study characteristics.

Findings

After title/abstract screening of 4,076 sources, 50 were included for full-text review, with 15 articles selected for data extraction. Four were randomised control studies (RCTs), fourteen focused on T3 level outcomes including mortality rates, and one measured LSTs. There were no studies reporting cost-related data. Three of the studies focused on bag-and-mask ventilation, and eight mentioned the use of mannequins.

Discussion

We highlight the potential effectiveness of simulation-based training of paediatric procedural skills in improving patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality rates and incidence of illness/injury.

Conclusion

Though the quality of research designs was low, researchers used different simulation modalities and outcome measures and showed a positive impact of SBT(e.g., decreased mortality rates).