Comparison of three simulation-based training methods for management of medical emergencies

Full-mission simulation training helped develop the ability to recognise when skills learnt to manage one type of medical emergency can be useful in managing another emergency not previously encountered.

Abstract

Trainee medical officers (TMOs) participated in a study comparing three methods of simulation-based training to treat medical emergencies occurring in a hospital setting. The methods were: All groups had the same total teaching time. Participants (n=61) had an initial (pre-training) assessment by written tests, self assessment and simulations of medical emergencies ('VT' and 'HYPOglycaemia'). Participants were tested again post-training using similar simulations to the initial scenario and a new scenario ('ANAphylaxis'). Trained 'experts', blinded to the teaching group of participants, watched video-CDs of the simulations to assess participants' performance. All groups demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence (pre-training scores compared to post-training) but no differences could be detected between the three groups. In simulated emergencies, post-training scores were also improved. There was no difference between groups in the 'HYPO' scenario but in the 'VT' scenario there was moderate evidence that Group 3 was superior. In the 'ANA' scenario, Group 3 had far better test scores, especially in behavioural items. There did not appear to be any significant advantage of using whole body manikins over CSBT and simple part-task trainers. Full-mission simulation training helped develop the ability to recognise when skills learnt to manage one type of medical emergency can be useful in managing another emergency not previously encountered.