Abstract
Objective: Although simulation-based training has been widely used for resuscitation programs, few studies have so far evaluated its effectiveness. This study measured the rate and time needed to perform tasks in simulation scenarios to assess the effectiveness of resuscitation training.
Methods: This study evaluated 24 newly-hired residents at the National Center for Child Health and Development in 2009 (doctor-in-training 11, pediatrician 11, other 2). The residents had an average of 3.5 years post-graduate years of experience. Twenty-three residents were PALS (pediatric advanced life support) providers and they had completed the PALS an average of 7 months earlier. The residents were divided into two groups (simulation group: SG, control group: CG). The SG members were trained by means of simulation methodology. Twelve courses (two scenarios, 30 minutes, once a week, for three months) were provided. Both groups of residents participated in a 7-minute test with a simulation scenario (using infant ventricular fibrillation) before and after the simulation-training course, and the time for each individual to successfully perform the tasks needed for resuscitation was measured.
Results: 1) The time the residents needed to perform chest compression was shorter (p=0.04) and the total CPR time was longer (p=0.002) in the SG in comparison to the CG. 2) The time needed to perform ventilation (p=0.03) and chest compression (p=0.002) was shorter and the total CPR time was also longer (p=0.005) in the SG, after the course than before.
Conclusion: Repeating the same scenarios and increasing the amount of training improved the effectiveness of the resuscitation training for cardiopulmonary arrest. However, various problems regarding the limited opportunities for in-hospital training and the optimal methodologies for training residents whose performance is found to be insufficient remain to be resolved. In addition, the knowledge and skills acquired by simulation-based training declined over time. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the optimal duration and frequency of such training.
