Interprofessional, multiple step simulation course improves pediatric resident and nursing staff management of pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

• Published in: World journal of critical care medicine 2016-11, Vol.5 (4), p.212-218
• Main Authors: Larson-Williams, Linnea M, Youngblood, Amber Q, Peterson, Dawn Taylor, Zinkan, J Lynn, White, Marjorie L, Abdul-Latif, Hussein, Matalka, Leen, Epps, Stephen N, Tofil, Nancy M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Control Study
• ISSN: 2220-3141; 2220-3141
• DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v5.i4.212

To investigate the use of a multidisciplinary, longitudinal simulation to educate pediatric residents and nurses on management of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis. A multidisciplinary, multiple step simulation course was developed by faculty and staff using a modified Delphi method from the Pediatric Simulation Center and pediatric endocrinology department. Effectiveness of the simulation for the residents was measured with a pre- and post-test and a reference group not exposed to simulation. A follow up post-test was completed 3-6 mo after the simulation. Nurses completed a survey regarding the education activity. Pediatric and medicine-pediatric residents ( = 20) and pediatric nurses ( = 25) completed the simulation course. Graduating residents ( = 16) were used as reference group. Pretest results were similar in the control and intervention group (74% ± 10% 76% ± 15%, = 0.658). After completing the intervention, participants improved in the immediate post-test in comparison to themselves and the control group (84% ± 12% post study; < 0.05). The 3-6 mo follow up post-test results demonstrated knowledge decay when compared to their immediate post-test results (78% ± 14%, = 0.761). Residents and nurses felt the interdisciplinary and longitudinal nature of the simulation helped with learning. Results suggest a multidisciplinary, longitudinal simulation improves immediate post-intervention knowledge but important knowledge decay occurs, future studies are needed to determine ways to decrease this decay.