Collaborative clinical simulation in cardiologic emergency scenarios for medical students. An exploratory study on model applicability and assessment instruments

Aims: This paper evaluates the feasibility of piloting the collaborative clinical simulation (CCS) model and its assessment instruments applicability for measuring interpersonal, collaborative, and clinical competencies in cardiologic emergency scenarios for medical students. The CCS model is a structured learning model for the acquisition and assessment of clinical competencies through small groups working collaboratively to design and perform in simulated environments supported by technology. Methods: Fifty-five students were allocated in five sessions (one weekly session) conducted with the CCS model within the course Cardiovascular Diseases. The applied practice aimed at the diagnosis and treatment of tachyarrhythmias in a simulated emergency department. In addition to the theoretical classes four weeks before the simulation sessions, students were sent a study guide that summarized the Guide to the European Society of Cardiology. For each simulation session, one clinical simulation instructor, one cardiologist teacher, and the principal investigator participated. Students were divided into three groups (3-5 students) for each-session. They designed, performed, role-played, and debriefed three different diagnoses. Three instruments to assess each group's performance were applied: 1. peer assessment used by groups, ; 2. performance assessment, created and applied by the cardiologist teacher, and 3. individual satisfaction questionnaire for students. Results: The applicability of the CCS model was satisfactory for both students and teachers. The assessment instruments’ internal reliability was good, as was internal consistency with a Cronbach Alpha of 0.7, 0.4, and 0.8 for each section (Interpersonal, Clinical, and Collaborative competencies, respectively). The performance group’s evaluation was 0.8 for the two competencies assessed (Tachyarrhythmia and Electrical Cardioversion) and 0.8 for the satisfaction questionnaire's reliability. Conclusions: The CCS model for teaching emergency tachyarrhythmias to medical students was applicable and well accepted. The internal reliability of the assessment instruments was considered satisfactory by measuring satisfaction and performance in the exploratory study.