Simulation-based training in critical resuscitation procedures improves residents' competence

Abstract

Objective: Residents must become proficient in a variety of procedures. The practice of learning procedural skills on patients has come under ethical scrutiny, giving rise to the concept of simulation-based medical education. Resident training in a simulated environment allows skill acquisition without compromising patient safety. We assessed the impact of a simulation-based procedural skills training course on residents' competence in the performance of critical resuscitation procedures. Methods: We solicited self-assessments of the knowledge and clinical skills required to perform resuscitation procedures from a cross-sectional multidisciplinary sample of 28 resident study participants. Participants were then exposed to an intensive 8-hour simulation-based training program, and asked to repeat the self-assessment questionnaires on completion of the course, and again 3 months later. We assessed the validity of the self-assessment questionnaire by evaluating participants' skills acquisition through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination station. Results: We found statistically significant improvements in participants' ratings of both knowledge and clinical skills during the 3 self-assessment periods (p < 0.001). The participants' year of postgraduate training influenced their selfassessment of knowledge (F2,25 = 4.91, p < 0.01) and clinical skills (F2,25 = 10.89, p < 0.001). At the 3-month follow-up, juniorlevel residents showed consistent improvement from their baseline scores, but had regressed from their posttraining measures. Senior level residents continued to show further increases in their assessments of both clinical skills and knowledge beyond the simulation-based training course. Conclusion: Significant improvement in self-assessed theoretical knowledge and procedural skill competence for residents can be achieved through participation in a simulation based resuscitation course. Gains in perceived competence appear to be stable over time, with senior learners gaining further confidence at the 3-month follow-up. Our findings support the benefits of simulation-based training for residents.