Effectiveness of simulation-based communication training for cardio pediatricians in announcing congenital heart disease diagnosis in children: A randomized controlled trial (SIMUL - CHD)

Introduction

Appropriate communication between physicians and parents is key when announcing a diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CHD) in the perinatal period. However, young physicians often struggle with anxiety and self-confidence, hindering their ability to communicate adequately. Simulation-based learning has demonstrated efficacy in improving medical training, but its application in communication training is limited.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether simulation-based training can improve the communication skills of paediatric cardiology fellows in announcing a diagnosis of critical CHD. The study will be implemented in collaboration with the associations of children's parents with CHD.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare the effect of simulation-based training versus theoretical training alone. The simulation group will receive both theoretical and practical training, while the control group will only receive theoretical training. The primary endpoint is to evaluate the effect of simulation-based training on the announcement of CHD diagnosis paediatric cardiologists in training. The primary endpoint will be measured by the difference in proficiency score (BBN Skills) for announcing the diagnosis, video judged by a panel of experts, and blinded to group assignment. The study will also assess self-assessment scores of anxiety and self-confidence before making the announcement.

Results/Expected results

It is expected to show an improvement in communication skills among the simulation group, regardless of the level of young doctors, as well as likely showing a decrease in anxiety and an increase in confidence scores in the simulation group.

Conclusion/Perspectives

This nationwide study could provide a uniform curriculum for training, written in collaboration with patients’ associations involving expert parents that may be further integrated into the national graduate program. It could then easily be applied to other clinical situations, for example, when announcing poor surgical outcomes, a treatment limitation, etc.