Evaluation of high-fidelity mannequins in convulsion simulation and pediatric CPR

Abstract

This article’s objective was evaluating the resources and the fidelity of SimBaby’s mannequin for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric convulsion training. Education based on training through simulation resorts frequently to high-fidelity mannequins for practicing CPR skills. However, if the simulated patient is not realistic enough, the learning process is compromised. The evaluation of said mannequins’ realism is scarce in specialized literature. Methodology: A group of engineers, medics and nurses was chosen for the purposed evaluation. First, the designation of some members of the team as first-aiders for the infant’s treatment. The recognition of convulsion signals and the need of CPR was handled by algorithms created for this project. On the second moment of evaluation, the first-aiders executed incorrect CPR maneuvers to evaluate the mannequin’s feedback accuracy. Results: the first-aiders recognized the pulse and cyanosis, but did not recognize the convulsion and the inadequate perfusion. The simulator does not distinguish correct or incorrect maneuvers. Conclusion: SimBaby exhibits high technology, but lacks realism simulating convulsions and feedback to CPR.