High-Fidelity Simulation Enhances Pediatric Residents’ Retention, Knowledge, Procedural Proficiency, Group Resuscitation Performance, and Experience in Pediatric Resuscitation

Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) pediatric resuscitation training on resident performance and self-reported experience compared with historical controls. Methods: In this case-control study, pediatric residents at a tertiary academic children’s hospital participated in a 16-hour HFS resuscitation curriculum. Primary outcome measures included cognitive knowledge, procedural proficiency, retention, and self-reported comfort and procedural experience. The intervention group was compared with matched-pair historical controls. Results: Forty-one residents participated in HFS training with 32 matched controls. The HFS group displayed significant initial and overall improvement in knowledge ( P < .01), procedural proficiency ( P < .05), and group resuscitation performance ( P < .01). Significant skill decay occurred in all performance measures ( P < .01) with the exception of endotracheal intubation. Compared with controls, the HFS group reported not only greater comfort with most procedures but also performed more than twice the number of successful real-life pediatric intubations (median: 6 vs 3; P = .03). Conclusions: Despite significant skill decay, HFS pediatric resuscitation training improved pediatric resident cognitive knowledge, procedural proficiency, and comfort. Residents who completed the course were not only more proficient than historical controls but also reported increased real-life resuscitation experiences and related procedures. * Abbreviations: HFS : high-fidelity simulation PALS : Pediatric Advanced Life Support PGY : postgraduate year