2023 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2023 focused update to the neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 4 systematic reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. Systematic reviewers and content experts from this task force performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on umbilical cord management in preterm, late preterm, and term newborn infants, and the optimal devices and interfaces used for administering positive-pressure ventilation during resuscitation of newborn infants. These recommendations provide new guidance on the use of intact umbilical cord milking, device selection for administering positive-pressure ventilation, and an additional primary interface for administering positive-pressure ventilation.

Implementation of a multi-site neonatal simulation improvement program: a cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: To improve patient outcomes and provider team practice, the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC) created the Simulating Success quality improvement program to assist hospitals in implementing a neonatal resuscitation training curriculum. This study aimed to examine the costs associated with the design and implementation of the Simulating Success program. METHODS: From 2017-2020, a total of 14 sites participated in the Simulating Success program and 4 of them systematically collected resource utilization data. Using a micro-costing approach, we examined costs for the design and implementation of the program occurring at CPQCC and the 4 study sites. Data collection forms were used to track personnel time, equipment/supplies, space use, and travel (including transportation, food, and lodging). Cost analysis was conducted from the healthcare sector perspective. Costs incurred by CPQCC were allocated to participant sites and then combined with site-specific costs to estimate the mean cost per site, along with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Cost estimates were inflation-adjusted to 2022 U.S. dollars. RESULTS: Designing and implementing the Simulating Success program cost $228,148.36 at CPQCC, with personnel cost accounting for the largest share (92.2%), followed by program-related travel (6.1%), equipment/supplies (1.5%), and space use (0.2%). Allocating these costs across participant sites and accounting for site-specific resource utilizations resulted in a mean cost of $39,210.69 per participant site (95% CI: $34,094.52-$44,326.86). In sensitivity analysis varying several study assumptions (e.g., number of participant sites, exclusion of design costs, and useful life span of manikins), the mean cost per site changed from $35,645.22 to $39,935.73. At all four sites, monthly cost of other neonatal resuscitation training was lower during the program implementation period (mean = $1,112.52 per site) than pre-implementation period (mean = $2,504.01 per site). In the 3 months after the Simulating Success program ended, monthly cost of neonatal resuscitation training was also lower than the pre-implementation period at two of the four sites. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a multi-site neonatal in situ simulation program requires investment of sufficient resources. However, such programs may have financial and non-financial benefits in the long run by offsetting the need for other neonatal resuscitation training and improving practice.

Implementation of Video Laryngoscope-Assisted Coaching Reduces Adverse Tracheal Intubation-Associated Events in the PICU.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate implementation of a video laryngoscope (VL) as a coaching device to reduce adverse tracheal intubation associated events (TIAEs). DESIGN: Prospective multicenter interventional quality improvement study. SETTING: Ten PICUs in North America. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing tracheal intubation in the PICU. INTERVENTIONS: VLs were implemented as coaching devices with standardized coaching language between 2016 and 2020. Laryngoscopists were encouraged to perform direct laryngoscopy with video images only available in real-time for experienced supervising clinician-coaches. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was TIAEs. Secondary outcomes included severe TIAEs, severe hypoxemia (oxygen saturation < 80%), and first attempt success. Of 5,060 tracheal intubations, a VL was used in 3,580 (71%). VL use increased from baseline (29.7%) to implementation phase (89.4%; p < 0.001). VL use was associated with lower TIAEs (VL 336/3,580 [9.4%] vs standard laryngoscope [SL] 215/1,480 [14.5%]; absolute difference, 5.1%; 95% CI, 3.1-7.2%; p < 0.001). VL use was associated with lower severe TIAE rate (VL 3.9% vs SL 5.3%; p = 0.024), but not associated with a reduction in severe hypoxemia (VL 15.7% vs SL 16.4%; p = 0.58). VL use was associated with higher first attempt success (VL 71.8% vs SL 66.6%; p < 0.001). In the primary analysis after adjusting for site clustering, VL use was associated with lower adverse TIAEs (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.81; p = 0.001). In secondary analyses, VL use was not significantly associated with severe TIAEs (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.44-1.19; p = 0.20), severe hypoxemia (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.73-1.25; p = 0.734), or first attempt success (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.98-1.67; p = 0.073). After further controlling for patient and provider characteristics, VL use was independently associated with a lower TIAE rate (adjusted OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.86; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of VL-assisted coaching achieved a high level of adherence across the PICUs. VL use was associated with reduced adverse TIAEs.

In Situ Simulation and Clinical Outcomes in Infants Born Preterm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate impact of a multihospital collaborative quality improvement project implementing in situ simulation training for neonatal resuscitation on clinical outcomes for infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve neonatal intensive care units were divided into 4 cohorts; each completed a 15-month long program in a stepped wedge manner. Data from California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Infants with very low birth weight between 22 through 31 weeks gestation were included. Primary outcome was survival without chronic lung disease (CLD); secondary outcomes included intubation in the delivery room, delivery room continuous positive airway pressure, hypothermia (<36°C) upon neonatal intensive care unit admission, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and mortality before hospital discharge. A mixed effects multivariable regression model was used to assess the intervention effect. RESULTS: Between March 2017 and December 2020, a total of 2626 eligible very low birth weight births occurred at 12 collaborative participating sites. Rate of survival without CLD at participating sites was 74.1% in March to August 2017 and 76.0% in July to December 2020 (risk ratio 1.03; [0.94-1.12]); no significant improvement occurred during the study period for both participating and nonparticipating sites. The effect of in situ simulation on all secondary outcomes was stable. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a multihospital collaborative providing in situ training for neonatal resuscitation did not result in significant improvement in survival without CLD. Ongoing in situ simulations may have an impact on unit practice and unmeasured outcomes.

Novel Umbilical Catheter Securement and Protection Device for Umbilical Line Securement during Laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical catheter malposition rate is high. We compared a Novel Umbilical Securement Device (NUSD) to standard methodologies for neonatal invasive care unit patients undergoing laparotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study was performed on infants undergoing laparotomy from April 2019 to January 2023. Two neonatologists compared position of umbilical arterial catheter/umbilical venous catheter (UVC) on perioperative chest X-ray (CXRs) in patients with or without NUSD. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent laparotomy, of which 8 patients had NUSD (9 lines) and 10 patients did not (14 lines). In NUSD group, mean gestational age was 37 ± 4 weeks and mean birth weight was 2.3 ± 0.9 kg compared with 31 ± 8 weeks and 2.1 ± 1.4 kg in non-NUSD group, respectively. The mean age at surgery was 5 ± 7 and 5 ± 3 days, respectively. No malposition was seen in NUSD group, while 57% of UVCs (28% of lines) were malpositioned postoperatively in non-NUSD group (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: NUSD is an umbilical catheter securement device with low malposition rate, specifically during perioperative period with heightened risk for dislodgement. KEY POINTS: · Umbilical catheters provide reliable access for neonates but have a high rate of malpositioning.. · NUSD is an umbilical catheter securement device with low malposition rate.. · NUSD can be kept in place during laparotomy and can decrease the risk of malpositioning..

A Novel Method for Administering Epinephrine during Neonatal Resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if prefilled epinephrine syringes will reduce time to epinephrine administration compared with conventional epinephrine during standardized simulated neonatal resuscitation. STUDY DESIGN: Timely and accurate epinephrine administration during neonatal resuscitation is lifesaving in bradycardic infants. Current epinephrine preparation is inefficient and error-prone. For other emergency use drugs, prefilled medication syringes have decreased error and administration time. Twenty-one neonatal intensive care unit nurses were enrolled. Each subject engaged in four simulated neonatal resuscitation scenarios involving term or preterm manikins using conventional epinephrine or novel prefilled epinephrine syringes specified for patient weight and administration route. All scenarios were video-recorded. Two investigators analyzed video recordings for time to epinephrine preparation and administration. Differences between conventional and novel techniques were evaluated using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects completed 42 scenarios with conventional epinephrine and 42 scenarios with novel prefilled syringes. Epinephrine preparation was faster using novel prefilled epinephrine syringes (median = 17.0 s, interquartile range [IQR] = 13.3-22.8) compared with conventional epinephrine (median = 48.0 s, IQR = 40.5-54.9, n = 42, z = 5.64, p < 0.001). Epinephrine administration was also faster using novel prefilled epinephrine syringes (median = 26.9 s, IQR = 22.1-33.2) compared with conventional epinephrine (median = 57.6 s, IQR = 48.8-66.8, n = 42, z = 5.63, p < 0.001). In a poststudy survey, all subjects supported the clinical adoption of prefilled epinephrine syringes. CONCLUSION: During simulated neonatal resuscitation, epinephrine preparation and administration are faster using novel prefilled epinephrine syringes, which may hasten return of spontaneous circulation and be lifesaving for bradycardic neonates in clinical practice. KEY POINTS: · Currently, epinephrine administration in neonatal resuscitation is inefficient and error prone.. · Prefilled epinephrine syringes hasten medication administration in simulated neonatal resuscitation.. · Clinical use of prefilled epinephrine syringes may be lifesaving for bradycardic neonates..

Neonatal Healthcare Professionals' Experiences When Implementing a Simulation and Debriefing Program in Neonatal Intensive Care Settings: A Qualitative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training (SBT) and debriefing have increased in healthcare as a method to conduct interprofessional team training in a realistic environment. PURPOSE: This qualitative study aimed to describe the experiences of neonatal healthcare professionals when implementing a patient safety simulation and debriefing program in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: Fourteen NICUs in California and Oregon participated in a 15-month quality improvement collaborative with the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative. Participating sites completed 3 months of preimplementation work, followed by 12 months of active implementation of the simulation and debriefing program. Focus group interviews were conducted with each site 2 times during the collaborative. Content analysis found emerging implementation themes. RESULTS: There were 234 participants in the 2 focus group interviews. Six implementation themes emerged: (1) receptive context; (2) leadership support; (3) culture change; (4) simulation scenarios; (5) debriefing methodology; and (6) sustainability. Primary barriers and facilitators with implementation of SBT centered around having a receptive context at the unit level (eg, availability of resources and time) and multidisciplinary leadership support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: NICUs have varying environmental (context) factors and consideration of unit-level context factors and support from leadership are integral aspects of enhancing the successful implementation of a simulation and debriefing program for neonatal resuscitation. Additional research regarding implementation methods for overcoming barriers for both leaders and participants, as well as determining the optimal frequency of SBT for clinicians, is needed. A knowledge gap remains regarding improvements in patient outcomes with SBT.

A prospective observational study of video laryngoscopy-guided coaching in the pediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the use of video laryngoscopy for pediatric patients outside of the operating room. AIM: Our primary aim was to evaluate whether implementation of video laryngoscopy-guided coaching for tracheal intubation is feasible with a high level of compliance and associated with a reduction in adverse tracheal intubation-associated events. METHODS: This is a pre-post observational study of video laryngoscopy implementation with standardized coaching language for tracheal intubation in a single-center, pediatric intensive care unit. The use of video laryngoscopy as a coaching device with standardized coaching language was implemented as a part of practice improvement. All patients in the pediatric intensive care unit were included between January 2016 and December 2017 who underwent primary tracheal intubation with either video laryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy. The uptake of the implementation, sustained compliance, tracheal intubation outcomes including all adverse tracheal intubation-associated events, oxygen desaturations (<80% SpO2), and first attempt success were measured. RESULTS: Among 580 tracheal intubations, 284 (49%) were performed during the preimplementation phase, and 296 (51%) postimplementation. Compliance for the use of video laryngoscopy with standardized coaching language was high (74% postimplementation) and sustained. There were no statistically significant differences in adverse tracheal intubation-associated events between the two phases (pre- 9% vs. post- 5%, absolute difference -3%, CI95 : -8% to 1%, p = .11), oxygen desaturations <80% (pre- 13% vs. post- 13%, absolute difference 1%, CI95 : -6% to 5%, p = .75), or first attempt success (pre- 73% vs. post- 76%, absolute difference 4%, CI95 : -3% to 11%, p = .29). Supervisors were more likely to use the standardized coaching language when video laryngoscopy was used for tracheal intubation than with standard direct laryngoscopy (80% vs. 43%, absolute difference 37%, CI95 : 23% to 51%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of video laryngoscopy as a supervising device with standardized coaching language was feasible with high level of adherence, yet not associated with an increased occurrence of any adverse tracheal intubation-associated events and oxygen desaturation.

Validation of an Instrument for Real-Time Assessment of Neonatal Intubation Skills: A Randomized Controlled Simulation Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of real-time assessment of a previously developed neonatal intubation scoring instrument (NISI). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a randomized controlled simulation study at a simulation-based research and training facility. Twenty-four clinicians experienced in neonatal intubation ("experts") and 11 medical students ("novices") performed two identical elective intubations on a neonatal patient simulator. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving predefined feedback between the two intubations, or the control group, receiving no feedback. Using the previously developed NISI, all intubations were assessed, both in real time and remotely on video. Construct validity was evaluated by (1) comparing the intubation performances, expressed as percentage scores, with and without feedback, and (2) correlating the intubation performances with the subjects' level of experience. The intrarater reliability, expressed as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), of real-time assessment compared with video-based assessment was determined. RESULTS: The intervention group contained 18 subjects, the control group 17. Background characteristics and baseline intubation scores were comparable in both groups. The median (IQR) change in percentage scores between the first and second intubation was significantly different between the intervention and control group (11.6% [4.7-22.8%] vs. 1.4% [0.0-5.7%], respectively; p = 0.013). The 95% CI for this 10.2% difference was 2.2 to 21.4%. The subjects' experience level correlated significantly with their percentage scores (Spearman's R = 0.70; p <0.01). ICC's were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89-0.97) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.97) for the first and second intubation, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our NISI has construct validity and is reliable for real-time assessment. KEY POINTS: · Our neonatal intubation scoring instrument has construct validity.. · Our instrument can be reliably employed to assess neonatal intubation skills directly in real time.. · It is suitable for formative assessment, i.e., providing direct feedback during procedural training..

Pilot study of the DART tool - an objective healthcare simulation debriefing assessment instrument.

BACKGROUND: Various rating tools aim to assess simulation debriefing quality, but their use may be limited by complexity and subjectivity. The Debriefing Assessment in Real Time (DART) tool represents an alternative debriefing aid that uses quantitative measures to estimate quality and requires minimal training to use. The DART is uses a cumulative tally of instructor questions (IQ), instructor statements (IS) and trainee responses (TR). Ratios for IQ:IS and TR:[IQ + IS] may estimate the level of debriefer inclusivity and participant engagement. METHODS: Experienced faculty from four geographically disparate university-affiliated simulation centers rated video-based debriefings and a transcript using the DART. The primary endpoint was an assessment of the estimated reliability of the tool. The small sample size confined analysis to descriptive statistics and coefficient of variations (CV%) as an estimate of reliability. RESULTS: Ratings for Video A (n = 7), Video B (n = 6), and Transcript A (n = 6) demonstrated mean CV% for IQ (27.8%), IS (39.5%), TR (34.8%), IQ:IS (40.8%), and TR:[IQ + IS] (28.0%). Higher CV% observed in IS and TR may be attributable to rater characterizations of longer contributions as either lumped or split. Lower variances in IQ and TR:[IQ + IS] suggest overall consistency regardless of scores being lumped or split. CONCLUSION: The DART tool appears to be reliable for the recording of data which may be useful for informing feedback to debriefers. Future studies should assess reliability in a wider pool of debriefings and examine potential uses in faculty development.

2019 American Heart Association Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2019 focused update to the American Heart Association neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 2 evidence reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Expert Systematic Reviewer and content experts performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on the appropriate initial oxygen concentration for use during neonatal resuscitation in 2 groups: term and late-preterm newborns (≥35 weeks of gestation) and preterm newborns (<35 weeks of gestation). This article summarizes those evidence reviews and presents recommendations. The recommendations for neonatal resuscitation are as follows: In term and late-preterm newborns (≥35 weeks of gestation) receiving respiratory support at birth, the initial use of 21% oxygen is reasonable. One hundred percent oxygen should not be used to initiate resuscitation because it is associated with excess mortality. In preterm newborns (<35 weeks of gestation) receiving respiratory support at birth, it may be reasonable to begin with 21% to 30% oxygen and to base subsequent oxygen titration on oxygen saturation targets. These guidelines require no change in the Neonatal Resuscitation Algorithm-2015 Update.

Perspectives on periviability counselling and decision-making differed between neonatologists in the United States and the Netherlands.

AIM: American guidelines suggest that neonatal resuscitation be considered at 23 weeks of gestation, one week earlier than in the Netherlands, but how counselling practices differ at the threshold of viability is unknown. This pilot study compared prenatal periviability counselling in the two countries. METHODS: In 2013, a cross-sectional survey was sent to 121 Dutch neonatologists as part of a nationwide evaluation of prenatal counselling. In this pilot study, the same survey was sent to a convenience sample of 31 American neonatologists in 2014. The results were used to compare the organisation, content and decision-making processes in prenatal counselling at 24 weeks of gestation between the two countries. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 17 (55%) American and 77 (64%) Dutch neonatologists. American neonatologists preferred to meet with parents more frequently, for longer periods of time, and to discuss more intensive care topics, including long-term complications, than Dutch neonatologists. Neonatologists from both countries preferred shared decision-making when deciding whether to initiate intensive care. CONCLUSION: Neonatologists in the United States and the Netherlands differed in their approach to prenatal counselling at 24 weeks of gestation. Cross-cultural differences may play a role.

Simulation-Based Patient-Specific Multidisciplinary Team Training in Preparation for the Resuscitation and Stabilization of Conjoined Twins.

The resuscitation of conjoined twins is a rare and complex clinical challenge. We detail how patient-specific, in situ simulation can be used to prepare a large, multidisciplinary team of health care professionals (HCPs) to deliver safe, efficient, and effective care to such patients. In this case, in situ simulation allowed an 18-person team to address the clinical and ergonomic challenges anticipated for this neonatal resuscitation. The HCPs trained together as an intact team in the actual delivery room environment to probe for human and system weaknesses prior to this unique delivery, and optimized communication, teamwork, and other behavioral skills as they prepared for the simultaneous resuscitation of two patients who were physically joined to one another.

Modification of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program Algorithm for Resuscitation of Conjoined Twins.

There are no national or international guidelines for the resuscitation of conjoined twins. We have described how the U.S. Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm can be modified for delivery room resuscitation of omphaloischiopagus conjoined twins. In planning for the delivery and resuscitation of these patients, we considered the challenges of providing cardiopulmonary support to preterm conjoined twins in face-to-face orientation and with shared circulation via a fused liver and single umbilical cord. We also demonstrate how in situ simulation can be used to prepare a large, multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to deliver safe, efficient, and effective care to such patients.

Impact of Standardized Communication Techniques on Errors during Simulated Neonatal Resuscitation.

AIM: Current patterns of communication in high-risk clinical situations, such as resuscitation, are imprecise and prone to error. We hypothesized that the use of standardized communication techniques would decrease the errors committed by resuscitation teams during neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: In a prospective, single-blinded, matched pairs design with block randomization, 13 subjects performed as a lead resuscitator in two simulated complex neonatal resuscitations. Two nurses assisted each subject during the simulated resuscitation scenarios. In one scenario, the nurses used nonstandard communication; in the other, they used standardized communication techniques. The performance of the subjects was scored to determine errors committed (defined relative to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program algorithm), time to initiation of positive pressure ventilation (PPV), and time to initiation of chest compressions (CC). RESULTS: In scenarios in which subjects were exposed to standardized communication techniques, there was a trend toward decreased error rate, time to initiation of PPV, and time to initiation of CC. While not statistically significant, there was a 1.7-second improvement in time to initiation of PPV and a 7.9-second improvement in time to initiation of CC. CONCLUSIONS: Should these improvements in human performance be replicated in the care of real newborn infants, they could improve patient outcomes and enhance patient safety.

2023 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2023 focused update to the neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 4 systematic reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. Systematic reviewers and content experts from this task force performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on umbilical cord management in preterm, late preterm, and term newborn infants, and the optimal devices and interfaces used for administering positive-pressure ventilation during resuscitation of newborn infants. These recommendations provide new guidance on the use of intact umbilical cord milking, device selection for administering positive-pressure ventilation, and an additional primary interface for administering positive-pressure ventilation.

The difficult neonatal airway.

Airway management is one of the most crucial aspects of neonatal care. The occurrence of a difficult airway is more common in neonates than in any other age group, and any neonatal intubation can develop into a difficult airway scenario. Understanding the intricacies of the difficult neonatal airway is paramount for healthcare professionals involved in the care of newborns. This chapter explores the multifaceted aspects of the difficult neonatal airway. We begin with a review of the definition and incidence of difficult airway in the neonate. Then, we explore factors contributing to a difficult neonatal airway. We next examine diagnostic considerations specific to the difficult neonatal airway, including prenatal imaging. Finally, we review management strategies. The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and the role of communication and collaboration in achieving optimal outcomes are emphasized.

The Evolution of Neonatal Patient Safety.

Human factors science teaches us that patient safety is achieved not by disciplining individual health care professionals for mistakes, but rather by designing systems that acknowledge human limitations and optimize the work environment for them. Incorporating human factors principles into simulation, debriefing, and quality improvement initiatives will strengthen the quality and resilience of the process improvements and systems changes that are developed. The future of patient safety in neonatology will require continued efforts to engineer and re-engineer systems that support the humans who are at the interface of delivering safe patient care.

The Debriefing Assessment in Real Time (DART) tool for simulation-based medical education.

BACKGROUND: Debriefing is crucial for enhancing learning following healthcare simulation. Various validated tools have been shown to have contextual value for assessing debriefers. The Debriefing Assessment in Real Time (DART) tool may offer an alternative or additional assessment of conversational dynamics during debriefings. METHODS: This is a multi-method international study investigating reliability and validity. Enrolled raters (n = 12) were active simulation educators. Following tool training, the raters were asked to score a mixed sample of debriefings. Descriptive statistics are recorded, with coefficient of variation (CV%) and Cronbach's α used to estimate reliability. Raters returned a detailed reflective survey following their contribution. Kane's framework was used to construct validity arguments. RESULTS: The 8 debriefings (µ = 15.4 min (SD 2.7)) included 45 interdisciplinary learners at various levels of training. Reliability (mean CV%) for key components was as follows: instructor questions µ = 14.7%, instructor statements µ = 34.1%, and trainee responses µ = 29.0%. Cronbach α ranged from 0.852 to 0.978 across the debriefings. Post-experience responses suggested that DARTs can highlight suboptimal practices including unqualified lecturing by debriefers. CONCLUSION: The DART demonstrated acceptable reliability and may have a limited role in assessment of healthcare simulation debriefing. Inherent complexity and emergent properties of debriefing practice should be accounted for when using this tool.