High-fidelity simulation versus case-based discussion for training undergraduate medical students in pediatric emergencies: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of high-fidelity simulation of pediatric emergencies compared to case-based discussion on the development of self-confidence, theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, attitude, and leadership in undergraduate medical students. METHODS: 33 medical students were allocated to two teaching methods: high-fidelity simulation (HFS, n = 18) or case-based discussion (CBD, n = 15). Self-confidence and knowledge tests were applied before and after the interventions and the effect of HFS on both outcomes was estimated with mixed-effect models. An Objective Structured Clinical Examination activity was conducted after the interventions, while two independent raters used specific simulation checklists to assess clinical reasoning, communication, attitude, and leadership. The effect of HFS on these outcomes was estimated with linear and logistic regressions. The effect size was estimated with the Hedge's g. RESULTS: Both groups had an increase in self-confidence (HFS 59.1 × 93.6, p < 0.001; CDB 50.5 × 88.2, p < 0.001) and knowledge scores over time (HFS 45.1 × 63.2, p = 0.001; CDB 43.5 × 56.7, p-value < 0.01), but no difference was observed between groups (group*time effect in the mixed effect models adjusted for the student ranking) for both tests (p = 0.6565 and p = 0.3331, respectively). The simulation checklist scores of the HFS group were higher than those of the CBD group, with large effect sizes in all domains (Hedges g 1.15 to 2.20). CONCLUSION: HFS performed better than CBD in developing clinical reasoning, communication, attitude, and leadership in undergraduate medical students in pediatric emergency care, but no significant difference was observed in self-confidence and theoretical knowledge.

A percepção do estudante de medicina sobre a simulação realística em pediatria / The perception of the medical student about realistic simulation in pediatrics

Resumo Introdução: O uso de simulação realística em emergências pediátricas é particularmente valioso, pois permite o treinamento de habilidades técnicas, atitudinais e cognitivas, ajudando a garantir a segurança do paciente. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a percepção do aluno sobre o uso da Simulação Realista de Alta Fidelidade nos módulos de emergência pediátrica durante o internato de medicina. Métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Um questionário semiestruturado foi aplicado aos estudantes do sexto ano de medicina ao final dos módulos de internato pediátrico, com oito semanas de duração, de agosto a dezembro de 2020. Todos participaram de dois tipos de atividades sobre 14 temas: simulação de alta fidelidade (SRAF) e discussão estruturada de casos clínicos (DCC). Resultados: Dos 33 participantes, 29 responderam ao questionário. A média de idade foi de 24 ± 1,8 anos, sendo 58,6% do sexo feminino. Todos concordaram que a experiência com SRAF contribuiu para um desempenho mais seguro em emergências pediátricas, considerado ótimo por 76% e bom para os demais. A maioria achava que a associação de SRAF e DCC era o método ideal (96%). A análise de conteúdo das respostas sobre a SRAF destacou unidades temáticas em cinco categorias: aprendizagem significativa, contribuição para a formação profissional, habilidades, atitude/comportamento e qualidade da atividade. Conclusões: A reação dos estudantes ao uso da SRAF em emergências pediátricas foi muito positiva, e sua associação com a DCC foi considerada o método de ensino ideal. Conhecer as reações dos alunos ajuda os professores a planejarem suas atividades para melhorar o método de ensino-aprendizagem.

Abstract Introduction: The use of realistic simulation in pediatric emergencies is particularly valuable, as it allows the training of technical, attitudinal, and cognitive skills, helping to ensure patient safety. Objective: This study aims to describe the student's perception of using the High-Fidelity Realistic Simulation in the pediatric emergency modules during the internship. Methods: Observational, descriptive study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to sixth-year medical students at the end of the pediatric internship modules, which lasted eight weeks, from August to December 2020. All of them participated in two types of activities on 14 topics: high-fidelity simulation (HFS) and structured discussion of clinical cases (SDCC). Results: Of the 33 participants, 29 answered the questionnaire. The mean age was 24 ± 1.8 years, and 58.6% were female. All agreed that the experience with HFS contributed to safer performance in pediatric emergencies, considered optimal by 76% and good for the remainder. Most thought the association of HFS and SDCC was the ideal method (96%). The content analysis of the responses on HFS highlighted thematic units in five categories: significant learning, contribution to professional training, skills, attitude/behavior, and quality of the activity. Conclusions: Students' reaction to using HFS in pediatric emergencies was very positive, and its association with SDCC was considered the ideal teaching method. Knowing the students' reactions helps teachers plan their activities to improve the teaching-learning method.