Comparing Leadership Skills of Senior Emergency Medicine Residents in 3-Year Versus 4-Year Programs During Simulated Pediatric Resuscitation: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of pediatric patients in the United States (US) are evaluated and treated at general emergency departments. It is possible that discrepancies in length of emergency medicine (EM) residency training may allow for variable exposure to pediatric patients, critical resuscitations, and didactic events. The goal of this pilot study was to compare leadership skills of graduating EM residents from 3- to 4-year programs during simulated pediatric resuscitations using a previously validated leadership assessment tool, the Concise Assessment of Leader Management (CALM). METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, simulation-based cohort pilot study that included graduating 3rd- and 4th-year EM resident physicians from 6 EM residency programs. We measured leadership performance across 3 simulated pediatric resuscitations (sepsis, seizure, cardiac arrest) using the CALM tool and compared leadership scores between the 3rd- and 4th-year resident cohorts. We also correlated leadership to self-efficacy scores. RESULTS: Data was analyzed for 47 participating residents (24 3rd-year residents and 23 4th-year residents). Out of a total possible CALM score of 66, residents from 3-year programs scored 45.2 [SD ± 5.2], 46.8 [SD ± 5.0], and 46.6 [SD ± 4.7], whereas residents from 4-year programs scored 45.5 [SD ± 5.2], 46.4 [SD ± 5.0], and 48.2 [SD ± 4.3] during the sepsis, seizure, and cardiac arrest cases, respectively. The mean leadership score across all 3 cases for the 3-year cohort was 46.2 [SD ± 4.8] versus 46.7 [SD ± 4.5] (P = 0.715) for the 4-year cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These data show feasibility for a larger cohort project and, while not statistically significant, suggest no difference in leadership skills between 3rd- and 4th-year EM residents in our study cohort. This pilot study provides the basis of future work that will assess a larger multicenter cohort with the hope to obtain a more generalizable dataset.

Croup during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Omicron Variant Surge.

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients with croup seen during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Approximately 50% underwent testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. During the Delta wave, 2.8% of those tested were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; this increased to 48.2% during the Omicron wave, demonstrating a strong correlation between the Omicron variant and croup.

Improving Pediatric Readiness in General Emergency Departments: A Prospective Interventional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of a national interventional collaborative on pediatric readiness within general emergency departments (EDs). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter, interventional study measured pediatric readiness in general EDs before and after participation in a pediatric readiness improvement intervention. Pediatric readiness was assessed using the weighted pediatric readiness score (WPRS) on a 100-point scale. The study protocol extended over 6 months and involved 3 phases: (1) a baseline on-site assessment of pediatric readiness and simulated quality of care; (2) pediatric readiness interventions; and (3) a follow-up on-site assessment of WPRS. The intervention phase included a benchmarking performance report, resources toolkits, and ongoing interactions between general EDs and academic medical centers. RESULTS: Thirty-six general EDs were enrolled, and 34 (94%) completed the study. Four EDs (11%) were located in Canada, and the rest were in the US. The mean improvement in WPRS was 16.3 (P < .001) from a baseline of 62.4 (SEM = 2.2) to 78.7 (SEM = 2.1), with significant improvement in the domains of administration/coordination of care; policies, protocol, and procedures; and quality improvement. Six EDs (17%) were fully adherent to the protocol timeline. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a collaborative intervention model including simulation and quality improvement initiatives is associated with improvement in WPRS when disseminated to a diverse group of general EDs partnering with their regional pediatric academic medical centers. This work provides evidence that innovative collaboration facilitated by academic medical centers can serve as an effective strategy to improve pediatric readiness and processes of care.

Gamification of a Low-Fidelity Paper Doll to Teach Primary Survey to Pediatric Residents.

When critically ill pediatric patients arrive in the emergency department (ED), a rapid physical evaluation is performed in order to systematically evaluate and address life-threatening conditions. This is commonly referred to as the primary survey. At our institution, pediatric residents are frequently tasked with this role, but they have limited training for or experience with this task. Quality improvement review of real resuscitation recordings at our institution revealed delays in initiation and incomplete primary surveys. We sought to utilize gamification to standardize and optimize reproducible training for the primary survey task for pediatric residents using a low-fidelity paper doll model simulation to improve primary survey performance in actual resuscitations.

Strategic Surge Responses in the COVID-19 era: Operational Themes, Innovative Solutions and Lessons Learned by Three Freestanding Pediatric Emergency Departments.

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has created unique and complex challenges in operational and capacity planning for pediatric emergency departments, as initial low pediatric patient volumes gave way to unpredictable patient surges during Delta and Omicron variants. Compounded by widespread hospital supply chain issues, staffing shortages due to infection and attrition, and a concurrent pediatric mental health crisis, the surges have pushed pediatric emergency department leaders to re-examine traditionally defined clinical processes, and adopt innovative operational strategies. This study describes the strategic surge response and lessons learned by 3 major freestanding academic pediatric emergency departments in the western United States to help inform current and future pediatric pandemic preparedness.

Factors Associated With Improved Pediatric Resuscitative Care in General Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the quality of pediatric resuscitative care in general emergency departments (GEDs) and to determine hospital-level factors associated with higher quality. METHODS: Prospective observational study of resuscitative care provided to 3 in situ simulated patients (infant seizure, infant sepsis, and child cardiac arrest) by interprofessional GED teams. A composite quality score (CQS) was measured and the association of this score with modifiable and nonmodifiable hospital-level factors was explored. RESULTS: A median CQS of 62.8 of 100 (interquartile range 50.5-71.1) was noted for 287 resuscitation teams from 175 emergency departments. In the unadjusted analyses, a higher score was associated with the modifiable factor of an affiliation with a pediatric academic medical center (PAMC) and the nonmodifiable factors of higher pediatric volume and location in the Northeast and Midwest. In the adjusted analyses, a higher CQS was associated with modifiable factors of an affiliation with a PAMC and the designation of both a nurse and physician pediatric emergency care coordinator, and nonmodifiable factors of higher pediatric volume and location in the Northeast and Midwest. A weak correlation was noted between quality and pediatric readiness scores. CONCLUSIONS: A low quality of pediatric resuscitative care, measured using simulation, was noted across a cohort of GEDs. Hospital factors associated with higher quality included: an affiliation with a PAMC, designation of a pediatric emergency care coordinator, higher pediatric volume, and geographic location. A weak correlation was noted between quality and pediatric readiness scores.

Belhassen Tachycardia in a Pediatric Patient: A Simulation for Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellows.

Ventricular tachycardia in pediatric emergency department patients is a high-risk, low-frequency event well suited for education through simulation. This technical report describes a simulation-based curriculum for Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellows and senior residents involving the evaluation and management of a 10-year-old female presenting with palpitations who is ultimately diagnosed with Belhassen tachycardia. The curriculum highlights the features that differentiate Belhassen tachycardia (idiopathic left posterior fascicular ventricular tachycardia) from supraventricular or other tachycardias, building upon foundational pediatric resuscitation skills and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) algorithms for advanced learners.

Severe Epistaxis in the Pediatric Patient: A Simulation for Emergency Department Management.

Severe, uncontrolled epistaxis in a pediatric patient can lead to a compromised bloody airway and the potential need for significant volume resuscitation secondary to hemorrhagic shock if not managed emergently. In this report, a simulated 11-month-old patient with underlying liver disease presents to the emergency department setting. The goal was to familiarize advanced pediatric emergency medicine trainees and experienced providers with immediate bedside interventions and clinical management steps for a patient with severe, difficult-to-control epistaxis to increase preparedness for future clinical scenarios. Additionally, this case highlights resuscitation considerations for patients with liver disease, including sources of bleeding, consulting services, medications, and approach to massive transfusion in liver disease.

Enhancing paediatric resuscitation team performance: targeted simulation-based team leader training.

Effective team leadership is linked to improved resuscitation outcomes. Previous studies have focused primarily on trainee performance and simulation-based outcomes. We hypothesised that a targeted simulation-based educational intervention for experienced physicians focusing on specific process and communication goals would result in improved performance during actual resuscitations. We conducted an observational pilot study evaluating specific process metrics during clinical resuscitations before and after a 1-hour training intervention for paediatric emergency medicine (PEM) supervising physicians using rapid cycle deliberate practice simulation-based training. Videos of clinical resuscitations from before and after the intervention were retrospectively reviewed to assess time to patient transfer to emergency department stretcher, time to primary assessment and time to team leader summary statement. Between March and July 2018, 21/38 of PEM supervising physicians participated in a training session. After the intervention period, clinical resuscitation teams showed significant improvements in targeted process metrics: transfer of patient within 1 min (79% vs 100%, p=0.03), assessment completed within 3 min (28% vs 75%, p=0.01) and summary statement within 5 min (50% to 85%, p=0.03). Brief, focused simulation-based team leader training can improve the teamwork and communication performance of experienced clinicians during clinical resuscitations.

Using a Systems-Focused Simulation to Rapidly Prepare for Large Volume COVID-19 Vaccination.

SUMMARY STATEMENT: The goal of vaccinating large numbers of staff and nonstaff against COVID-19 with a novel vaccine necessitated rapid modifications to an existing workforce vaccination program. We performed a series of 3 iterative systems-focused simulations and debriefings in the span of 1 week to evaluate existing vaccination clinic space, trial a new physical space for the COVID-19 vaccine clinic, identify existing process gaps, and determine necessary changes for maximum efficiency and safety. By using iterative systems-focused simulations, we were able to perform a gap analysis on the existing program, develop and stabilize new processes, and focus on emergency preparedness.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Didactics and Simulation (PEMDAS): Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening illness which classically presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia that can rapidly progress to severe dehydration and altered mental status from cerebral edema. Younger patients may present with subtle or atypical symptoms that are critical to recognize and emergently act upon. Such patients are often cared for by teams in the emergency department (ED) requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. Methods: This simulation case was designed for pediatric emergency medicine fellows and residents. The case was a 14-month-old male who presented to the ED with respiratory distress and dehydration. The team was required to perform an assessment, manage airway, breathing and circulation, and recognize and initiate treatment for DKA including judicious fluid administration and an insulin infusion. The patient developed altered mental status with signs of cerebral edema requiring the initiation of cerebral protection strategies. We created a debriefing guide and a participant evaluation form. Results: Forty-two participants completed this simulation across seven institutions including attendings, residents, fellows, and nurses. The scenario was rated by participants on a 5-point Likert scale and was generally well received (M = 5.0). Participants rated the simulation case as effective in teaching how to recognize (M = 4.8) and manage (M = 4.5) DKA with cerebral edema in a pediatric patient. Discussion: This simulation represents a resource for learners in the pediatric ED in the recognition and management of a toddler with DKA and can be adapted to learners at all levels and tailored to various learning environments.

Pediatric Emergency Department Responses to COVID-19: Transitioning From Surge Preparation to Regional Support.

In the midst of a global pandemic, hospitals around the world are working to meet the demand for patients ill with the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. As the crisis unfolds, several countries have reported lower numbers as well as less morbidity and mortality for pediatric patients. Thus, pediatric centers find themselves pivoting from preparing for a patient surge to finding ways to support the regional response for adults. This study describes the response from 2 West Coast freestanding academic children's hospitals that were among the first cities in the United States impacted during this pandemic.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Simulation Curriculum: Bacterial Tracheitis.

Introduction: Pediatric bacterial tracheitis is a rare but life-threatening upper airway infection with mortality rates estimated as high as 20%, typically affecting children between 6 months and 12 years old. Given such high mortality rates, we felt it was important to train medical personnel to evaluate and manage this condition. Methods: This simulation-based curriculum was developed for health care professionals involving the evaluation and management of an 8-year-old male with symptoms of fever, stridor, worsening barking cough, and increased work of breathing. Critical actions included identifying stridor and airway respiratory distress; monitoring and supporting airway, breathing, and circulation; administering racemic epinephrine and dexamethasone; and identifying and treating bacterial tracheitis as the underlying cause. Scenario-specific debriefing tools were put together to elicit scenario feedback and aid in formative learning. Results: The scenario was conducted with six fellows and 12 residents and medical students. Per the survey data, the case was rated as highly relevant (median = 5) and highly realistic (median = 5) by participants on a 5-point Likert scale. Discussion: Pediatric bacterial tracheitis is a low frequency, but high-risk scenario that was amenable to simulation as an educational modality and was well-received by participants. The debriefing tools were implemented as a means of helping instructors customize the scenario for learners based on respective educational backgrounds and learning styles.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Disaster Simulation Curriculum: The 5-Minute Trauma Assessment for Pediatric Residents (TRAP-5).

Introduction: Pediatric trauma management is a high-stress, high-risk, low-frequency event, and exposure through simulation can help identify and address knowledge gaps. Pediatric residents are likely to provide care for children with traumatic injuries, and it is important they are skilled in performing a rapid trauma assessment. Methods: We developed a simulation-based rapid pediatric trauma assessment curriculum for pediatric residents in the setting of a mass casualty disaster. The patients were 5-year-olds portrayed by mannequins with varying injuries including intracranial hemorrhage, solid organ injury, and open extremity fractures. Critical actions included assigning roles, completing primary assessment within 2 minutes, and giving summary statement and management priorities within 5 minutes using clear communication techniques. We created a badge-sized reference card as well as scenario-specific debriefing tools to facilitate assessment and discussion of learning objectives following the simulation. Results: We conducted two sessions with a total of 49 participants. The case was rated as highly relevant (session 1, m = 4.7; session 2, m = 4.9) and realistic (session 1, m = 4.8; session 2, m = 4.4) by participants on a 5-point Likert scale. During the two sessions participants completed the primary survey in an average of 2.46 and 2.29 minutes, respectively, and the secondary survey with summary statement in an average of 5.08 and 4.27 minutes, respectively. Discussion: This educational resource supports the setup, production, and debriefing of a low-fidelity simulation focused on the pediatric trauma assessment for the novice learner. Also included are educational reference materials and a participant evaluation form.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Didactics and Simulation (PEMDAS): Serotonin Syndrome.

Introduction: Serotonin syndrome is caused by an accumulation of serotonin in the body from drug interactions or overdose of serotonergic medications, including commonly used antidepressants. Symptoms can be life-threatening and encompass both neurologic and cardiovascular toxicity, including agitation, seizure, tachycardia, rhabdomyolysis, and hyperthermia. Methods: This simulation case was developed for pediatric emergency medicine fellows and emergency medicine residents in the pediatric emergency department and can be altered to accommodate other learners. The case involved a 16-year-old male, represented by a low- or high-fidelity manikin, who presented with altered mental status/agitation after an overdose of antidepressant medication. The team of learners was required to perform a primary and a secondary assessment; manage airway, breathing, and circulation; and recognize and initiate treatment for serotonin syndrome. The patient had a seizure resulting in airway compromise requiring advanced airway support, as well as developed rhabdomyolysis requiring aggressive fluid hydration. We created a debriefing guide and a participant evaluation form. Results: Fifty-seven participants across five institutions completed this simulation, which included residents, fellows, faculty, and students. The scenario was rated by participants using a 5-point Likert scale and was generally well received. Participants rated the simulation case as effective in learning how to both recognize (M = 4.9) and manage (M = 4.8) serotonin syndrome. Discussion: This pediatric emergency simulation scenario can be tailored for a range of learner backgrounds and simulation environments. We used the participant evaluation form to improve future iterations of the simulation.

Pediatric Toxidrome Simulation Curriculum: Bupropion Overdose.

Introduction: Bupropion is a commonly used antidepressant, and overdose can lead to both neurologic and cardiovascular toxicity, including agitation, seizure, tachycardia, QT and QRS prolongation, and rhythm disturbances. Methods: We developed this simulation case for attendings, fellows, nurse practitioners, and nurses in the pediatric emergency department (ED). The scenario involved a 13-year-old male presenting to the ED with altered mental status and a generalized tonic-clonic seizure shortly after arrival. The team needed to quickly perform primary and secondary surveys, manage his airway and breathing, and initiate treatment for seizure. The team had to obtain an abbreviated history and include ingestion in the differential. The patient then developed pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and the team needed to respond with high-quality CPR, defibrillation, and advanced airway management. Preparatory materials, a debriefing guide, and scenario evaluation forms assisted with facilitation. Results: Twenty-eight physicians, 56 nurses, 10 nurse practitioners, four pharmacists, two students, and one respiratory therapist completed this simulation in 13 sessions. On a 5-point Likert scale, participants agreed with the stated objective of ability to manage a patient with a bupropion overdose (M = 4.09; range, 2-5). The scenario was rated as highly relevant (M = 4.93) and the debriefing as very effective (M = 4.85). Discussion: This scenario is a complete educational resource for setting up, implementing, and debriefing in an interprofessional setting. It was well received by learners from diverse professional backgrounds working together in actual care teams in the pediatric ED.

Approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome: a large single-center experience with 106 patients.

BACKGROUND: Cyclic vomiting syndrome is characterized by repeated, stereotypical vomiting episodes. The diagnosis is made by exclusion of other organic diseases, which can lead to extensive testing. It has been suggested that these patients can have mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the study was to examine the evaluation of our cyclic vomiting patients and to determine whether they had associated, undiagnosed metabolic abnormalities. METHODS: This retrospective study included 106 patients aged <21 years at diagnosis. Information regarding medical history, laboratory, and imaging studies were collected. Metabolic studies in plasma and urine were obtained when patients were well and when patients were in a vomiting cycle, including plasma amino acids, acylcarnitines, and urine organic acids. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 8.9 ± 5.0 years. Neuroimaging revealed previously unknown intracranial abnormalities in <10% of patients, none of whom explained the vomiting signs. Abdominal ultrasounds revealed abnormalities in 15% of patients during an acute episode and 7% of patients when well. Sixty-one patients had an upper gastrointestinal series, all of which were normal. A total of 92% of patients had laboratory testing with 38% indicating abnormalities possibly suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: This large, single-center study further evaluated the need for more focused evaluation in patients with suspected cyclic vomiting syndrome. Thirty-eight percent of our patients had abnormalities in blood and/or urine suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction, which requires more detailed investigation in the future.

Communication about child development during well-child visits: impact of parents' evaluation of developmental status screener with or without an informational video.

BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends periodic administration of standardized developmental screening instruments during well-child visits to facilitate timely identification of developmental delay. However, little is known about how parents and physicians communicate about child development or how screening impacts communication. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to examine whether parent-physician communication about child development is affected by (1) administration of a developmental screen or (2) video presentation on child development before well-child visits. METHODS: Six primary care pediatricians in a practice serving predominantly Medicaid-insured children participated. Fifteen parents of children 9 to 31 months of age per pediatrician were assigned to 1 of 3 previsit conditions (n = 89): (1) usual care; (2) parent completed the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status screen; or (3) parent viewed 5-minute "activation" video before completing the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status. Visits were audiorecorded and coded by blinded raters using a classification system that assesses communication content. Outcomes included visit length, physicians' questions, information giving, reassurance or counseling about development, and parents' concerns and requests for developmentally related services. RESULTS: Mean visit duration was similar for the 3 groups (22.5 minutes). Physicians made more information-giving and counseling statements about development and raised more developmental concerns in group 3 (video plus the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status) than in group 1 (usual care) visits. A trend toward increased use of such communication was also seen in group 2 (Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status only). Parents were more likely to raise a developmental concern in group 3 than in group 1. No parent requested early intervention, therapy, or other related services. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a validated screening test did not increase average visit duration, an important consideration in primary care. Although use of the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status alone led to some increase in parent-physician communication about development and developmental concerns, additional increase in communication was seen with the addition of a brief parent activation video shown before the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status was completed.