Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice for Pediatric Intern Resuscitation Skills

INTRODUCTION: For pediatric interns, it takes deliberate practice to translate the knowledge of what to do in emergencies into the procedural and communication skills required of a team member or team leader. This curriculum taught interns through simulations with rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP). This method focused on teaching time-sensitive team-based activities in simulation. The RCDP structure alternated practice with immediate expert feedback. This alternating pattern gave the learner chances to practice the correct way to perform these skills. METHODS: The curriculum was developed iteratively based on common gaps in intern skills and knowledge; it was well suited for groups of four to six interns and to be given by one or two instructors over a 6-hour period of time. After an initial warm-up case, a series of simulations used RCDP to move interns through cases focusing on management of respiratory distress, upper airway obstruction, shock, intubation, complications of intubation, and pulseless arrest. Feedback was interspersed throughout the experience with detailed explanations provided as the interns required them to complete the simulations. RESULTS: This technique was well received by a group of 81 interns who provided positive feedback on the sessions. In particular, when asked if the course “improved my teamwork and leadership skills” they agreed with a mean score of 4.9 out of 5. DISCUSSION: This curriculum taught and integrated the procedural skills, communication skills, and teamwork needed to participate in pediatric resuscitations. The methods described in this curriculum improved confidence of pediatric interns and merits further study.