A comparison of rapid cycle deliberate practice and traditional reflective debriefing on interprofessional team performance.

BACKGROUND: In simulation-based education, debriefing is necessary to promote knowledge acquisition and skill application. Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) and Traditional Reflective Debriefing (TRD) are based in learning theories of deliberate practice and reflective learning, respectively. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of TRD versus RCDP on acquisition of conceptual knowledge and teamwork skills among interdisciplinary learners in the pediatric emergency department. METHODS: One hundred sixty-four learners including emergency department attending physicians, fellows, nurses, medical technicians, paramedics, and respiratory therapists, participated in 28 in-situ simulation workshops over 2 months. Groups were quasi-randomized to receive RCDP or TRD debriefing. Learners completed a multiple-choice test to assess teamwork knowledge. The TEAM Assessment Tool assessed team performance before and after debriefing. Primary outcomes were teamwork knowledge and team performance. RESULTS: Average pre-intervention baseline knowledge assessment scores were high in both groups (TRD mean 90.5 (SD 12.7), RCDP mean 88.7 (SD 15.5). Post-test scores showed small improvements in both groups (TRD mean 93.2 (SD 12.2), RCDP mean 89.9 (SD 13.8), as indicated by effect sizes (ES = 0.21 and 0.09, for TRD and RCDP, respectively). Assessment of team performance demonstrated a significant improvement in mean scores from pre-assessment to post-assessment for all TEAM Assessment skills in both TRD and RCDP arms, based on p-values (all p < 0.01) and effect sizes (all ES > 0.8). While pre-post improvements in TEAM scores were generally higher in the RCDP group based on effect sizes, analysis did not indicate either debriefing approach as meaningfully improved over the other. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not demonstrate that either TRD versus RCDP was meaningfully better in teamwork knowledge acquisition or improving skill application and performance. As such, we propose Reflective Deliberate Practice as a framework for future study to allow learners to reflect on learning and practice in action.

Weight-Based Versus Flat Dosing of Epinephrine During Cardiac Arrest in the PICU: A Multicenter Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) guidelines include weight-based epinephrine dosing recommendations of 0.01 mg/kg with a maximum of 1 mg, which corresponds to a weight of 100 kg. Actual practice patterns are unknown. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional survey regarding institutional practices for the transition from weight-based to flat dosing of epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in PICUs. Exploratory analyses compared epinephrine dosing practices with several institutional characteristics using Fisher exact test. SETTING: Internet-based survey. SUBJECTS: U.S. PICU representatives (one per institution) involved in resuscitation systems of care. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 137 institutions surveyed, 68 (50%) responded. Most responding institutions are freestanding children's hospitals or dedicated children's hospitals within combined adult/pediatric hospitals (67; 99%); 55 (81%) are academic and 41 (60%) have PICU fellowship programs. Among respondents, institutional roles include PICU medical director (13; 19%), resuscitation committee member (23; 34%), and attending physician with interest in resuscitation (21; 31%). When choosing between weight-based and flat dosing, 64 respondents (94%) report using patient weight, 23 (34%) patient age, and five (7%) patient pubertal stage. Among those reporting using weight, 28 (44%) switch at 50 to less than 60 kg, 17 (27%) at 60 to less than 80 kg, five (8%) at 80 to less than 100 kg, and eight (12%) at greater than or equal to 100 kg. Among those reporting using age, four (17%) switch at 14 to less than 16 years, five (22%) at 16 to less than 18, and six (26%) at greater than or equal to 18. Twenty-nine respondents (43%) report using ideal body weight when dosing epinephrine in obese patients. Using patient age in choosing epinephrine dosing is more common in institutions that require Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification for some/all code team responders compared with institutions that do not require ACLS certification (52% vs 22%; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PICUs surveyed report epinephrine dosing practices that are inconsistent with PALS guidelines.

Survey of Current Institutional Practices in the Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an oxygen delivery device that provides heated humidified air with higher flow rates. The purpose of this survey is to look at institutional practice patterns of HFNC initiation, weaning, and disposition for pediatric patients across the United States. METHODS: Survey was sent via electronic listservs to pediatric physicians in emergency medicine, hospital medicine, critical care, and urgent care. The questionnaire was divided into demographics and HFNC practices (initiation, management, and weaning). One response per institution was included in the analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-four responses were included in the analysis, composed of 40% pediatric emergency medicine physicians, 46% pediatric hospitalists, 13% pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) physicians, and 1% pediatric urgent care physicians. Ninety-eight percent of the participants have HFNC at their institution. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents had a formal guideline for HFNC initiation. Nearly all guideline and nonguideline institutions report HFNC use in bronchiolitis. Guideline cohort is more likely to have exclusion criteria for HFNC (42% in the guideline cohort vs 17% in the nonguideline cohort; P < 0.001) and less frequently mandates PICU admissions once on HFNC (11% in the guideline cohort vs 56% in the nonguideline cohort; P < 0.001). Forty-six percent of guideline cohort had an objective scoring system to help determine the need for HFNC, and 73% had a weaning guideline. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is general agreement to use HFNC in bronchiolitis, great practice variation remains in the initiation, management, and weaning of HFNC across the United States. There is also a discordance on PICU use when a patient is using HFNC.

A Survey Assessing Pediatric Transport Team Composition and Training.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess national pediatric/neonatal specialty transport teams' composition and training requirements to determine if any current standardization exists. METHODS: This was a survey of the transport teams listed with the American Academy of Pediatrics via SurveyMonkey. RESULTS: While most of the teams maintain internal criteria for team competency and training, there is large variation across team compositions. The vast majority of the teams have a nurse-led team with the addition of another nurse, medic, and/or respiratory therapist regardless of mode of transport. Many of the teams report adjusting team composition based on acuity. Fewer than 15% of teams have a physician as a standard team member. More than 80% required a minimum number of supervised intubations prior to independent practice; however, the number varied largely from as little as 3 to as many as 30. Eighty-eight percent of the teams report using simulation as part of their education program, but again there were marked differences between teams as to how it was used. CONCLUSIONS: There is tremendous variability nationally among pediatric/neonatal transport teams regarding training requirements, certifications, and team composition. The lack of standardization regarding team member qualifications or maintenance of competency among specialized transport teams should be looked at more closely, and evidence-based guidelines may help lead to further improved outcomes in the care of critically ill pediatric patients in the prehospital setting.

Characterization of Myocardial Dysfunction in Fluid- and Catecholamine-Refractory Pediatric Septic Shock and Its Clinical Significance.

PURPOSE:: Myocardial dysfunction is a known complication in patients with pediatric septic shock (PSS); however, its clinical significance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and their prevalence in patients with PSS using echocardiography (echo) and to investigate their associations with the severity of illness and clinical outcomes. METHODS:: Retrospective chart review between 2010 and 2015 from 2 tertiary care pediatric intensive care units. Study included 78 patients (mean age 9.3 ± 7 years) from birth up to 21 years who fulfilled criteria for fluid- and catecholamine-refractory septic shock. Echocardiographic parameters of systolic, diastolic, and global function were measured offline. They were correlated with admission Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction scores, vasoactive-inotrope score (VIS), ß-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), lactate, type of shock, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality. RESULTS:: Overall, 28-day mortality was 26%, and 88% patients required MV. Prevalence of LV dysfunction was 72% and RV dysfunction was 63%. LV systolic dysfunction (fractional shortening z score <-2) was significantly associated with PRISM III, VIS, and BNP. RV systolic dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion z score <-2) was significantly associated with cold shock. LV and RV diastolic dysfunction did not have any significant clinical associations. No echocardiographic measures were associated with mortality. CONCLUSION:: Myocardial dysfunction is highly prevalent in PSS but is not associated with mortality. LV systolic dysfunction is associated with a higher severity of illness, use of vasoactives, and BNP, whereas RV systolic dysfunction is associated with cold shock. Further studies are needed to determine the utility of echo in the bedside management of patients with PSS.

Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Versus Reflective Debriefing for Pediatric Septic Shock Training.

OBJECTIVES: Rapid cycle deliberate practice is a simulation training method that cycles between deliberate practice and directed feedback to create perfect practice; in contrast to reflective debriefing where learners are asked to reflect on their performance to create change. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of rapid cycle deliberate practice versus reflective debriefing training on resident application and retention of the pediatric sepsis algorithm. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized-control study. SETTING: A tertiary care university children's hospital simulation room, featuring a high-fidelity pediatric patient simulator. SUBJECTS: Forty-six upper-level pediatric residents. INTERVENTIONS: Simulation training using rapid cycle deliberate practice or reflective debriefing. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Knowledge was assessed with a quiz on core sepsis management topics. The application of knowledge was assessed with a sepsis management checklist during the simulated scenario. The residents were assessed before and after the intervention and again at a follow-up session, 3-4 months later, to evaluate retention. Both groups had similar pre-intervention scores. Post-intervention, the rapid cycle deliberate practice group had higher checklist scores (rapid cycle deliberate practice 18 points [interquartile range, 18-19] vs reflective debriefing 17 points [interquartile range, 15-18]; p < 0.001). Both groups had improved quiz scores. At follow-up, both groups continued to have higher scores compared with the pre-intervention evaluation, with the rapid cycle deliberate practice group having a greater change in checklist score from pre-intervention to follow-up (rapid cycle deliberate practice 5 points [interquartile range, 3.5-7] vs reflective debriefing 3 points [interquartile range, 1.5-4.5]; p = 0.019). Both groups reported improved confidence in diagnosing and managing septic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Both rapid cycle deliberate practice and reflective debriefing are effective in training pediatric residents to apply the sepsis algorithm and in improving their confidence in the management of septic shock. The rapid cycle deliberate practice method was superior immediately post-training; however, it is unclear if this advantage is maintained over time. Both methods should be considered for training residents.

Resuscitation With Balanced Fluids Is Associated With Improved Survival in Pediatric Severe Sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes in patients receiving balanced fluids for resuscitation in pediatric severe sepsis. DESIGN: Observational cohort review of prospectively collected data from a large administrative database. SETTING: PICUs from 43 children's hospitals. PATIENTS: PICU patients diagnosed with severe sepsis. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We reviewed data from the Pediatric Health Information System database from 2004 to 2012. Children with pediatric severe sepsis receiving balanced fluids for resuscitation in the first 24 and 72 hours of treatment were compared to those receiving unbalanced fluids. Thirty-six thousand nine hundred eight patients met entry criteria for analysis. Two thousand three hundred ninety-eight patients received exclusively balanced fluids at 24 hours and 1,641 at 72 hours. After propensity matching, the 72-hour balanced fluids group had lower mortality (12.5% vs 15.9%; p = 0.007; odds ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.93), lower prevalence of acute kidney injury (16.0% vs 19.2%; p = 0.028; odds ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68-0.98), and fewer vasoactive infusion days (3.0 vs 3.3 d; p < 0.001) when compared with the unbalanced fluids group. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis carried out by propensity matching, exclusive use of balanced fluids in pediatric severe sepsis patients for the first 72 hours of resuscitation was associated with improved survival, decreased prevalence of acute kidney injury, and shorter duration of vasoactive infusions when compared with exclusive use of unbalanced fluids.

A Novel Weaning Protocol for High-Flow Nasal Cannula in the PICU.

OBJECTIVE: High-flow nasal cannula use in the PICU continues to increase; however, a protocol for weaning patients has yet to be published. This study aimed to create an efficient and safe protocol for weaning high-flow nasal cannula. DESIGN: A Respiratory Assessment Score was created using two validated scoring systems. A protocol was established for set "holidays" off high-flow nasal cannula, where nasal cannula flow was reduced to age-based low-flow nasal cannula rates if Respiratory Assessment Scores met certain criteria. SETTING: The PICU at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, a quaternary level hospital affiliated with Emory University. PATIENTS: Patients treated in the PICU with high-flow nasal cannula from August 2013 to March 2014. Exclusions included apnea, heliox therapy, oxygen saturations less than 92% with a FIO2 greater than 50%, admitted to PICU less than 6 hours, progression to intubation prior to scoring, or those ordered by physician to not receive holidays based on clinical status. INTERVENTIONS: Patients who qualified for a "holiday" based on Respiratory Assessment Score were trialed off high-flow nasal cannula and rescored afterwards to assess tolerance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three patients were treated with high-flow nasal cannula, with the most common diagnosis being bronchiolitis (43%). Of these 133 patients, 119 (89.5%) successfully weaned to low-flow nasal cannula within four holiday attempts. Eighty-three patients (70%) weaned with only one attempt. Fourteen patients (10.5%) failed to wean. Reasons for failure were reintubation, increasing flow on high-flow nasal cannula, too high of Respiratory Assessment Score to meet weaning criteria, or slow weaning after failed attempts. Holidays did not precipitate clinical deterioration or lead to immediate intubation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a high-flow nasal cannula "holiday" protocol is a safe and effective way to successfully wean PICU patients off high-flow nasal cannula. Additional investigation including validation of the scoring system used is warranted.

Experience with the use of propofol for radiologic imaging in infants younger than 6 months of age.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased risk associated with procedural sedation of infants younger than 6 months of age. The use of propofol for radiologic imaging of this age group is not well studied. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that adverse events are higher in the infant population receiving propofol for radiologic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 304 infants younger than 6 months old who received propofol for procedural sedation from October 2012 to February 2015. Patient demographics, propofol dosing, sedation-related adverse events and interventions were collected. Serious adverse events were defined as laryngospasm, aspiration, the need for admission, cardiac arrest or death. RESULTS: Procedural sedation for radiologic imaging was successful in 301/304 (99%) of infants using propofol. Of these 304 patients, 130 (42.8%) patients were female, and 240 of the 304 (79%) were between 3 and 6 months of age. The majority of patients (172/304 [56.6%]) were American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Status Class II. There were 57 sedation-related, minor adverse events in 39 out of 304 (12.8%) patients. Thirteen of the 304 (4.3%) patients had 14 serious adverse events, with airway obstruction the most common. Eighty interventions were required in 56/304 (18.4%) patients. The most common interventions were continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in 25/304 patients (8.2%) and jaw thrust in 15/304 (4.9%). The median induction propofol dose was 4.7 mg/kg. A need for an increase in the propofol infusion rate during the procedure was noted in 162/304 (53.3%) infants. No significant predictors of sedation-related adverse events were detected. CONCLUSION: Propofol can be used for radiologic imaging of infants younger than 6 months of age with a high success rate. Practitioners should be mindful of significantly higher dosing requirements and a higher incidence of airway events, which can be easily identified and managed by a team of experienced sedation providers.

Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Outcomes in Children With Acute Lung Injury: Propensity Matched Analysis From a Linked Database.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of inhaled nitric oxide on outcomes in children with acute lung injury. DESIGN: Retrospective study with a secondary data analysis of linked data from two national databases. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for potential confounding variables between patients who received at least 24 hours of inhaled nitric oxide (inhaled nitric oxide group) and those who did not receive inhaled nitric oxide (no inhaled nitric oxide group). SETTING: Linked data from Virtual Pediatric Systems (LLC) database and Pediatric Health Information System. PATIENTS: Patients less than 18 years old receiving mechanical ventilation for acute lung injury at nine participating hospitals were included (2009-2014). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 20,106 patients from nine hospitals were included. Of these, 859 patients (4.3%) received inhaled nitric oxide for at least 24 hours during their hospital stay. Prior to matching, patients in the inhaled nitric oxide group were younger, with more comorbidities, greater severity of illness scores, higher prevalence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and greater resource utilization. Before matching, unadjusted outcomes, including mortality, were worse in the inhaled nitric oxide group (inhaled nitric oxide vs no inhaled nitric oxide; 25.7% vs 7.9%; p < 0.001; standardized mortality ratio, 2.6 [2.3-3.1] vs 1.1 [1.0-1.2]; p < 0.001). Propensity score matching of 521 patient pairs revealed no difference in mortality in the two groups (22.3% vs 20.2%; p = 0.40; standardized mortality ratio, 2.5 [2.1-3.0] vs 2.3 [1.9-2.8]; p = 0.53). However, the other outcomes such as ventilation free days (10.1 vs 13.6 d; p < 0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (13.8 vs 10.1 d; p < 0.001), duration of ICU and hospital stay (15.5 vs 12.2 d; p < 0.001 and 28.0 vs 24.1 d; p < 0.001), and hospital costs ($150,569 vs $102,823; p < 0.001) were significantly worse in the inhaled nitric oxide group. CONCLUSIONS: This large observational study demonstrated that inhaled nitric oxide administration in children with acute lung injury was not associated with improved mortality. Rather, it was associated with increased hospital utilization and hospital costs.

Does Simulation Improve Recognition and Management of Pediatric Septic Shock, and If One Simulation Is Good, Is More Simulation Better?

OBJECTIVES: Determine whether serial simulation training sessions improve resident recognition and initial septic shock management in a critically ill simulated septic shock patient, and to determine whether serial simulations further improve resident task performance when compared with a single simulation session. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study with a live expert review of trainee simulation performance. Expert reviewers blinded to prior trainee performance. SETTING: A PICU room in a quaternary-care children's hospital, featuring a hi-fidelity pediatric patient simulator. SUBJECTS: Postgraduate year-2 and postgraduate year-3 pediatric residents who rotate through the PICU. INTERVENTIONS: Postgraduate year-3 residents as the control cohort, completing one simulation near the start of their third residency year. Postgraduate year-2 residents as the intervention cohort, completing two simulations during their second residency year and one near the start of their third residency year. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Resident objective performance was measured using a validated 27-item checklist (graded 0/1) related to monitoring, data gathering, and interventions in the diagnosis and management of pediatric septic shock. The intervention cohort had a higher mean performance percentage score during their third simulation than the control cohort completing their single simulation (87% vs 77%; p < 0.001). Septic shock was correctly diagnosed more often in the intervention cohort at the time of their third simulation (100% vs 78%; p < 0.001). Appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered correctly more often in the intervention cohort (83% vs 50%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Simulations significantly improved resident performance scores in the management of septic shock with repetitive simulation showing significant ongoing improvements. Further studies are needed to determine long-term impact on knowledge and skill retention and whether results attained in a simulation environment are translatable into clinical practice in improving bedside care.

Extracorporeal therapies in pediatric severe sepsis: findings from the pediatric health-care information system.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric severe sepsis (PSS) continues to be a major health problem. Extracorporeal therapies (ETs), defined as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and RRenal replacement therapyenal replacement therapy (RRT), are becoming more available for utilization in a variety of health conditions. We aim to describe (1) rates of utilization of ET in PSS, (2) outcomes for PSS patients receiving ET, and (3) epidemiologic characteristics of patients receiving ET. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. Data from the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database collected by the Children's Hospital Association (CHA) from 2004-2012 from 43 US children's hospitals' pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) were used. Patients with PSS were defined by (1) International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes reflecting severe sepsis and septic shock and (2) ICD-9 codes of infection and organ dysfunction as defined by updated Angus criteria. Among the patients with PSS, those with a PHIS flag of ECMO or RRT were identified further as our main cohort. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2012, 636,842 patients were identified from 43 hospitals, and PSS prevalence was 7.7 % (49,153 patients). Nine point eight percent (4795 patients) received at least one form of ET, and the associated mortality rate was 39 %. Mortality rates were 47.8 % for those who received ECMO, 32.3 % in RRT, and 58.0 % in RRT + ECMO. Underlying co-morbidities were found in 3745 patients (78.1 %) who received ET (81 % for ECMO, 77.9 % in RRT, and 71.2 % in those who received both). There was a statistically significant increase in ECMO utilization in patients with at least three organ dysfunctions from 2004 to 2012 (6.9 % versus 10.3 %, P < 0.001) while RRT use declined (24.5 % versus 13.2 %, P < 0.001). After 2009, there was a significant increase in ECMO utilization (3.6 % in 2004-2008 versus 4.0 % in 2009-2012, P = 0.004). ECMO and RRT were used simultaneously in only 500 patients with PSS (1 %). CONCLUSIONS: ETs were used in a significant portion of PSS patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during this time period. Mortality was significant and increased with increasing organ failure. ECMO use in PSS patients with MODS increased from 2004 to 2012. Further evaluation of ET use in PSS is warranted.

Pediatric critical care physician-administered procedural sedation using propofol: a report from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium Database.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing demand for pediatric procedural sedation has resulted in a marked increase in provision of pediatric procedural sedation by pediatric critical care physicians both inside and outside of the ICU. Reported experience of pediatric critical care physicians-administered pediatric procedural sedation is limited. We used the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium database to evaluate a multicenter experience with propofol by pediatric critical care physicians in all settings. SETTING: Review of national Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium database to identify pediatric procedural sedation provided by pediatric critical care physicians from 2007 to 2012. Demographic and clinical data were collected to describe pediatric procedural sedation selection, location, and delivery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with pediatric procedural sedation-related adverse events and complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 91,189 pediatric procedural sedation performed by pediatric critical care physicians using propofol were included in the database. Median age was 60.0 months (range, 0-264 months; interquartile range, 34.0-132.0); 81.9% of patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II. Most sedations were performed in dedicated sedation or radiology units (80.9%). Procedures were successfully completed in 99.9% of patients. A propofol bolus alone was used in 52.8%, and 41.7% received bolus plus continuous infusion. Commonly used adjunctive medications were lidocaine (35.3%), opioids (23.3%), and benzodiazepines (16.4%). Overall adverse event incidence was 5.0% (95% CI, 4.9-5.2%), which included airway obstruction (1.6%), desaturation (1.5%), coughing (1.0%), and emergent airway intervention (0.7%). No deaths occurred; a single cardiac arrest was reported in a 13-month-old child receiving propofol and ketamine, with no untoward neurologic sequelae. Risk factors associated with adverse event included: location of sedation, number of adjunctive medications, upper and lower respiratory diagnosis, prematurity diagnosis, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and painful procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric procedural sedation using propofol can be provided by pediatric critical care physicians effectively and with a low incidence of adverse events.

A Survey of Attitudes and Practices Regarding the Use of Steroid Supplementation in Pediatric Sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Although corticosteroid (CS) supplementation for pediatric septic shock (PSS) is recommended by American College of Critical Care Medicine sepsis guidelines, most data are based on adult trials. Standardized protocols for stimulation testing for adrenal insufficiency (AI) and CS treatment in children have been reported, but the current state of CS use and protocols have not been evaluated in pediatric intensive care units in the United States. We surveyed a group of pediatric intensivists to assess current approaches. DESIGN: An electronic survey with 54 questions on attitudes and current use of CSs was distributed to 49 pediatric critical care and 49 pediatric endocrinology fellowship program directors. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one (43%) of 49 critical care recipients completed the survey. Eleven (52%) were from medical/surgical units and 10 (48%) were from medical/surgical/cardiac units, with a median of 24 beds and 1614 annual admissions. Thirteen (62%) of 21 recipients rated the importance of steroids in the management of PSS as greater than 4 or 5, with 1 being of no importance and 5 of critical importance. Nineteen (90%) of 21 recipients thought AI occurs "sometimes" or "often" in septic shock. Adrenocorticotropin stimulation testing was frequently used (19 of 21; 90%) but not in protocol. Eighteen (85%) of 21 recipients agreed that "some should" receive "steroids as it improves outcome" and 9% agreed that "most should…" Fourteen (66%) of 21 recipients reported that more than 50% of patients with vasopressor-refractory PSS receive CSs. Hydrocortisone was used in 21 (100%) of 21 recipients, but dosing and duration were variable. Concerns to limit/avoid CSs included hyperglycemia (38%), superinfections (81%), and critical illness myopathy (57%). Only 3 (14%) of 21 recipients reported that they used a CS protocol for PSS. Sixteen (76%) of 21 recipients were not comfortable drawing conclusions from adult studies for PSS. Nineteen (90%) of 21 recipients agreed that it would be important to perform a randomized trial for CS use in PSS. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids are used at most centers for treatment of PSS, but significant variation in attitudes and use exists. Most centers identify AI as frequent; most report variable use of stimulation testing and dosing of CSs. Few centers currently use a standard protocol for diagnosis and treatment. Interest in performing a randomized trial for CSs remains because in part of reluctance to accept adult trial data.

Pediatric severe sepsis: current trends and outcomes from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database.

OBJECTIVE: To 1) describe the characteristics and outcomes over time of PICU patients with severe sepsis within the dedicated U.S. children's hospitals, 2) identify patient subgroups at risk for mortality from pediatric severe sepsis, and 3) describe overall pediatric severe sepsis resource utilization. DESIGN: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected multi-institutional children's hospital database. SETTING: PICUs in 43 U.S. children's hospitals. PATIENTS: PICU patients from birth to younger than 19 years were identified with severe sepsis by modified Angus criteria and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes for severe sepsis and septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data from the Pediatric Health Information System database collected by the Children's Hospital Association from 2004 to 2012. Pediatric severe sepsis was defined by 1) International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes reflecting severe sepsis and septic shock and 2) International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes of infection and organ dysfunction as defined by modified Angus criteria. From 2004 to 2012, 636,842 patients were identified from 43 hospitals. Pediatric severe sepsis prevalence was 7.7% (49,153) with an associated mortality rate of 14.4%. Age less than 1 year (vs age 10 to < 19) (odds ratio, 1.4), underlying cardiovascular condition (odds ratio, 1.4) and multiple organ dysfunction, conferred higher odds of mortality. Resource burden was significant with median hospital length of stay of 17 days (interquartile range, 8-36 d) and PICU length of stay of 7 days (interquartile range, 2-17 d), with median cost/day of $4,516 and median total hospitalization cost of $77,446. There was a significant increase in the severe sepsis prevalence rate from 6.2% to 7.7% from 2004 to 2012 (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in mortality from 18.9% to 12.0% (p < 0.001). Center mortality was negatively correlated with prevalence (rs = -0.48) and volume (rs = -0.39) and positively correlated with cost (rs = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: In this largest reported pediatric severe sepsis cohort to date, prevalence increased from 2004 to 2012 while associated mortality decreased. Age, cardiovascular comorbidity, and organ dysfunction were significant prognostic factors. Pediatric severe sepsis remains an important cause for PICU admission and mortality and leads to a substantial burden in healthcare costs. Individual center's prevalence and volume are associated with improved outcomes.

Debriefer cognitive load during Traditional Reflective Debriefing vs. Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice interdisciplinary team training.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive load impacts performance of debriefers and learners during simulations, but limited data exists examining debriefer cognitive load. The aim of this study is to compare the cognitive load of the debriefers during simulation-based team training (SbTT) with Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) debriefing and Traditional Reflective Debriefing (TRD). We hypothesize that cognitive load will be reduced during RCDP compared to TRD. METHODS: This study was part of a large-scale, interdisciplinary team training program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston Pediatric Emergency Department, with 164 learners (physicians, nurses, medical technicians, paramedics, and respiratory therapists (RTs)). Eight debriefers (main facilitators and discipline-specific coaches) led 28 workshops, which were quasi-randomized to either RCDP or TRD. Each session began with a baseline medical resuscitation scenario and cognitive load measurement using the NASA Task Load Index (TLX), and the NASA TLX was repeated immediately following either TRD or RCDP debriefing. Raw scores of the NASA TLX before and after intervention were compared. ANOVA tests were used to compare differences in NASA TLX scores before and after intervention between the RCDP and TRD groups. RESULTS: For all debriefers, mean NASA TLX scores for physical demands and frustration significantly decreased (- 0.8, p = 0.004 and - 1.3, p = 0.002) in TRD and mean perceived performance success significantly increased (+ 2.4, p < 0.001). For RCDP, perceived performance success increased post-debriefing (+ 3.6, p < 0.001), time demands decreased (- 1.0, p = 0.04), and frustration decreased (- 2.0, p < 0.001). Comparing TRD directly to RCDP, perceived performance success was greater in RCDP than TRD (3.6 vs. 2.4, p = 0.04). Main facilitators had lower effort and mental demand in RCDP and greater perceived success (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RCDP had greater perceived success than TRD for debriefers. Main facilitators also report reduced effort and baseline mental demand in RCDP. For less experienced debriefers, newer simulation programs, or large team training sessions such as our study, RCDP may be a less mentally demanding debriefing methodology for facilitators.

Let us to the TWISST; Plan, Simulate, Study and Act.

Translational Work Integrating Simulation and Systems Testing (TWISST) is a novel application of simulation that augments how we discover, understand, and mitigate errors in our system. TWISST is a diagnostic and interventional tool that couples Simulation-based Clinical Systems Testing with simulation-based training (SbT). TWISST tests environments and work systems to identify latent safety threats (LSTs) and process inefficiencies. In SbT, improvements made to the work system are embedded in hard wire system improvements, ensuring optimal integration into clinical workflow. Methods: Simulation-based Clinical Systems Testing approach includes simulated scenarios, Summarize, Anchor, Facilitate, Explore, Elicit debriefing, and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis. In iterative Plan-Simulate-Study-Act cycles, frontline teams explored work system inefficiencies, identified LSTs, and tested potential solutions. As a result, system improvements were hardwired through SbT. Finally, we present a case study example of the TWISST application in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Results: TWISST identified 41 latent conditions. LSTs were related to resource/equipment/supplies (n = 18, 44%), patient safety (n = 14, 34%), and policies/procedures (n = 9, 22%). Work system improvements addressed 27 latent conditions. System changes that eliminated waste or modified the environment to support best practices mitigated 16 latent conditions. System improvements that addressed 44% of LSTs cost the department $11,000 per trauma bay. Conclusions: TWISST is an innovative and novel strategy that effectively diagnoses and remediates LSTs in a working system. This approach couples highly reliable work system improvements and training into 1 framework.

Incidence of adrenal insufficiency and impact of corticosteroid supplementation in critically ill children with systemic inflammatory syndrome and vasopressor-dependent shock.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal insufficiency may be common in adults and children with vasopressor-resistant shock. We developed a protocolized approach to low-dose adrenocorticotropin testing and empirical low-dose glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid supplementation in children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and persistent hypotension following fluid resuscitation and vasopressor infusion. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that absolute and relative adrenal insufficiency was common in children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome requiring vasopressor support and that steroid administration would be associated with decreased vasopressor need. METHODS: Retrospective review of pediatric patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and vasopressor-dependent shock receiving protocol-based adrenocorticotropin testing and low-dose steroid supplementation. The incidence of absolute and relative adrenal insufficiency was determined using several definitions. Vasopressor dose requirements were evaluated before, and following, initiation of corticosteroids. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients met inclusion criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome and shock; 40 had septic shock. Median age was 84 months (range, 0.5-295). By adrenocorticotropin testing, 44 (56%) had absolute adrenal insufficiency, 39 (50%) had relative adrenal insufficiency, and 69 (88%) had either form of adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency incidence was significantly higher in children >2 yrs (p = .0209). Therapeutic interventions included median 80-mL/kg fluid resuscitation; 65% of patients required dopamine, 58% norepinephrine, and 49% dopamine plus norepinephrine. With steroid supplementation, median dopamine dose decreased from 10 to 4 µg/kg/min at 4 hrs (p = .0001), and median dose of norepinephrine decreased from 0.175 µg/kg/min to 0.05 µg/kg/min at 4 hrs (p = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Absolute and relative adrenal insufficiency was prevalent in this cohort of children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and vasopressor-dependent shock and increased with age. Introduction of steroids produced a significant reduction in vasopressor duration and dosage. Use of low-dose adrenocorticotropin testing may help further delineate populations who require steroid supplementation.

Simulation-based User-centered Design: An Approach to Device Development during COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Since the onset of COVID-19, intubations have become very high risk for clinical teams. Barrier devices during endotracheal intubation protect clinicians from the aerosols generated. Simulation-based user-centered design (UCD) was an iterative design process used to develop a pediatric intubation aerosol containment system (IACS). Simulation was anchored in human factor engineering and UCD to better understand clinicians' complex interaction with the IACS device, elicit user wants and needs, identify design inefficiencies, and unveil safety concerns. METHODS: This study was a prospective observational study of a simulation-based investigation used to design a pediatric IACS rapidly. Debriefing and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis identified latent conditions related to 5 device prototypes. Design iterations made were based on feedback provided to the engineering team after each simulation. RESULTS: Simulation identified 32 latent conditions, resulting in 5 iterations of the IACS prototype. The prototypes included an (1) intubation box; (2) IACS shield; (3) IACS frame with PVC pipes; (4) IACS plexiglass frame, and finally, (5) IACS frame without a plexiglass top. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of simulation with human factor ergonomics and UCD, in partnership with mechanical engineers, facilitated a novel context to design and redesign a pediatric IACS to meet user needs and address safety concerns.