What Do Pediatric Subinterns Say About Their Learning and Assessment? A Qualitative Analysis of Individual Learning Plans.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a qualitative content analysis of learning and assessment strategies that pediatric subinterns describe in Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) and to explore barriers and facilitators to their learning. METHODS: We analyzed ILPs from medical students enrolled in pediatric subinternships at 10 US medical schools that utilized a standardized curriculum and were recruited to reflect diversity in geographic location, funding, and enrollment. Students used an ILP to record 3 or more selected learning objectives, rationale for selection, and reflection on learning and assessment strategies. Investigators used the constant comparative method to perform a content analysis of the ILPs, grouping codes into themes, and verifying relationships between codes within themes. RESULTS: Two hundred and four ILPs that included student reflections on 850 learning objectives were analyzed. Content was analyzed in 5 categories: rationale for selecting objectives, learning strategies, assessment strategies, challenges to learning, and facilitators of learning. Students showed strong commitment to individualized, self-directed learning, developed a wide range of creative learning strategies, and relied heavily on self-reflection to assess their progress. The learning environment both helped and hindered students' ability to make and assess progress on their selected learning objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Through ILP-guided reflection and a formal curriculum, students can choose well-justified learning objectives and demonstrate resourcefulness and independence in developing self-directed learning and assessment strategies. The strategies that students identified in this study provide a menu of learning and assessment options for subinterns. Identified challenges and facilitators of learning provide guidance for educators who seek to enhance the clinical learning environment.

Rehydration Rates and Outcomes in Overweight Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) (FLUID) Trial found that rapid fluid infusion does not increase the risk of cerebral injury. Concern persists, however, whether fluid rates should be adjusted for overweight or obese patients. We used the FLUID Trial database to evaluate associations between fluid infusion rate and outcomes in these patients. METHODS: We compared children and youth who were overweight, obese, or normal weight, in regard to protocol adherence, mental status changes, time to DKA resolution, and electrolyte abnormalities. We investigated associations between outcomes and the amount of fluid received in these groups. RESULTS: Obese children and youth were more likely to receive fluids at rates slower than dictated by protocol. Overweight and obese children and youth in the fast fluid arms, who received fluids per the study protocol based on their measured weight, had similar rates of mental status changes or clinically apparent cerebral injury as those with normal weights. Risk of hypophosphatemia was increased in those receiving larger initial bolus volumes and reduced in those receiving higher rehydration rates. No other metabolic outcomes were associated with rehydration. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol adherence data in the FLUID Trial suggest that physicians are uncomfortable using weight-based fluid calculations for overweight or obese children. However, higher rates of fluid infusion were not associated with increased risk of mental status changes or cerebral injury, suggesting that physicians should not limit fluid resuscitation in obese children and youth with DKA.

Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Dehydration Severity in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to characterize the degree of dehydration in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and identify physical examination and biochemical factors associated with dehydration severity. Secondary objectives included describing relationships between dehydration severity and other clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this cohort study, we analyzed data from 753 children with 811 episodes of DKA in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation Study, a randomized clinical trial of fluid resuscitation protocols for children with DKA. We used multivariable regression analyses to identify physical examination and biochemical factors associated with dehydration severity, and we described associations between dehydration severity and DKA outcomes. RESULTS: Mean dehydration was 5.7% (SD 3.6%). Mild (0 to <5%), moderate (5 to <10%), and severe (≥10%) dehydration were observed in 47% (N=379), 42% (N=343), and 11% (N=89) of episodes, respectively. In multivariable analyses, more severe dehydration was associated with new onset of diabetes, higher blood urea nitrogen, lower pH, higher anion gap, and diastolic hypertension. However, there was substantial overlap in these variables between dehydration groups. The mean length of hospital stay was longer for patients with moderate and severe dehydration, both in new onset and established diabetes. CONCLUSION: Most children with DKA have mild-to-moderate dehydration. Although biochemical measures were more closely associated with the severity of dehydration than clinical assessments, neither were sufficiently predictive to inform rehydration practice.

Cognitive function following diabetic ketoacidosis in young children with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be at particularly high risk of cognitive decline following diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, studies of cognitive functioning in T1D typically examine school-age children. The goal of this study was to examine whether a single experience of DKA is associated with lower cognitive functioning in young children. We found that recently diagnosed 3- to 5-year-olds who experienced one DKA episode, regardless of its severity, exhibited lower IQ scores than those with no DKA exposure. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 46 3- to 5-year-old children, who presented with DKA at the onset of T1D, in a randomized multi-site clinical trial evaluating intravenous fluid protocols for DKA treatment. DKA was moderate/severe in 22 children and mild in 24 children. Neurocognitive function was assessed once 2-6 months after the DKA episode. A comparison group of 27 children with T1D, but no DKA exposure, was also assessed. Patient groups were matched for age and T1D duration at the time of neurocognitive testing. RESULTS: Children who experienced DKA, regardless of its severity, exhibited significantly lower IQ scores than children who did not experience DKA, F(2, 70) = 6.26, p = .003, partial η2  = .15. This effect persisted after accounting for socioeconomic status and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: A single DKA episode is associated with lower IQ scores soon after exposure to DKA in young children.

Relationships among biochemical measures in children with diabetic ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVES: Investigating empirical relationships among laboratory measures in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can provide insights into physiological alterations occurring during DKA. We determined whether alterations in laboratory measures during DKA conform to theoretical predictions. METHODS: We used Pearson correlation statistics and linear regression to investigate correlations between blood glucose, electrolytes, pH and PCO2 at emergency department presentation in 1,681 pediatric DKA episodes. Among children with repeat DKA episodes, we also assessed correlations between laboratory measures at the first vs. second episode. RESULTS: pH and bicarbonate levels were strongly correlated (r=0.64), however, pH and PCO2 were only loosely correlated (r=0.17). Glucose levels were correlated with indicators of dehydration and kidney function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), r=0.44; creatinine, r=0.42; glucose-corrected sodium, r=0.32). Among children with repeat DKA episodes, PCO2 levels tended to be similar at the first vs. second episode (r=0.34), although pH levels were only loosely correlated (r=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated glucose levels at DKA presentation largely reflect alterations in glomerular filtration rate. pH and PCO2 are weakly correlated suggesting that respiratory responses to acidosis vary among individuals and may be influenced by pulmonary and central nervous system effects of DKA.

Clinical Characteristics of Children with Cerebral Injury preceding Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Previous studies have identified more severe acidosis and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as risk factors for cerebral injury during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children; however, cerebral injury also can occur before DKA treatment. We found that lower pH and higher BUN levels also were associated with cerebral injury at presentation.

Outcomes and Factors Associated With Prehospital Treatment of Pediatric Anaphylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction requiring prompt treatment with intramuscular epinephrine (EPI). We sought to describe presenting features of pediatric anaphylaxis and compare patient characteristics and outcomes of children treated with prehospital EPI with those untreated. METHODS: We abstracted data from emergency department (ED) records for children meeting the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease criteria for anaphylaxis (2015-2017) in one tertiary care children's hospital. We analyzed associations between patient characteristics and outcomes and receipt of prehospital EPI using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 414 children presenting with anaphylaxis, 39.4% received IM EPI and 62.1% received antihistamines before hospital arrival. Children with Medicaid received pre-emergency department EPI less frequently than did children with private insurance (24.5% vs 43.8%, P = 0.001). Factors positively associated with prehospital EPI administration were history of food allergy (odds ratio [OR], 4.4 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.4-8.2]) or arrival by emergency medical services (OR, 8.0 [95% CI, 4.2-15.0]). Medicaid insurance was associated with decreased odds of prehospital EPI (OR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.16-0.66]) and prehospital H1-antihistamine use (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.17-0.56]). Prehospital EPI treatment was also associated with decreased rates of observation (37% vs 63%), inpatient admission (38% vs 62%), and intensive care unit admission (20% vs 80%) compared with no pretreatment (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital treatment with EPI remains low, and barriers to optimal treatment are more pronounced in children with public insurance. Prehospital treatment with EPI was associated with decreased morbidity including hospitalization and intensive care unit admission.

Serum Sodium Concentration and Mental Status in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is typically characterized by low or low-normal serum sodium concentrations, which rise as hyperglycemia resolves. In retrospective studies, researchers found associations between declines in sodium concentrations during DKA and cerebral injury. We prospectively investigated determinants of sodium concentration changes and associations with mental status alterations during DKA. METHODS: Using data from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Trial, we compared children who had declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations with those who had rising or stable concentrations. Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 intravenous fluid protocols that differed in infusion rate and sodium content. Data from the first 4, 8, and 12 hours of treatment were analyzed for 1251, 1086, and 877 episodes, respectively. RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations were associated with higher sodium and chloride concentrations at presentation and with previously diagnosed diabetes. Treatment with 0.45% (vs 0.9%) sodium chloride fluids was also associated with declines in sodium concentration; however, higher rates of fluid infusion were associated with declines in sodium concentration only at 12 hours. Frequencies of abnormal Glasgow Coma Scale scores and clinical diagnoses of cerebral injury were similar in patients with and without declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations during DKA treatment are influenced by the balance of free-water loss versus sodium loss at presentation and the sodium content of intravenous fluids. Declines in glucose-corrected sodium concentrations are not associated with mental status changes during treatment.

Essential yet Ill-defined: leadership roles to support fourth-year medical students in pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been published about specialty-specific fourth-year medical student leadership in any discipline. This paper provides insight from pediatric educators about the current status and recommendations for pediatric-specific fourth-year leaders. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of pediatric fourth-year medical student directors across the US and Canada and to compare current and ideal responsibilities for this role. METHODS: Five multi-part questions were written and submitted for the 2019 Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP) Annual Survey and subsequently disseminated to all COMSEP member physicians. Anonymous responses were collected and results analyzed. The study was IRB exempt. RESULTS: The program-level survey response rate was 79%. Of 115 respondent medical schools, 37% reported having a pediatric fourth-year director separate from the clerkship director, with an average of 9.8% full-time equivalent (FTE) protected time for the role. In contrast, individuals indicated 20% FTE would be ideal for fourth-year director responsibilities. The most common role identified for pediatric fourth-year directors was directing sub-internships. Respondents indicated it would be ideal for pediatric fourth-year directors to have an increased level of involvement in all areas queried in the survey, especially directing a pediatric residency preparatory course/boot camp, faculty development for educators of fourth-year students, and remediating fourth-year students. CONCLUSIONS: As specialty-specific experiences have grown in the fourth year of medical school, there is an increasing demand for faculty leadership separate from direction of the pediatric clerkship. In this national survey, pediatric educators expressed a need for additional protected time to lead fourth-year specific activities. Similar findings in other disciplines would support advocating for more protected time and expanded roles for specialty-specific fourth-year directors nationally.

Effects of Fluid Rehydration Strategy on Correction of Acidosis and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVE: Fluid replacement to correct dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte abnormalities is the cornerstone of treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), but little is known about optimal fluid infusion rates and electrolyte content. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether different fluid protocols affect the rate of normalization of biochemical derangements during DKA treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The current analysis involved moderate or severe DKA episodes (n = 714) in children age <18 years enrolled in the Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in DKA (FLUID) Trial. Children were assigned to one of four treatment groups using a 2 × 2 factorial design (0.90% or 0.45% saline and fast or slow rate of administration). RESULTS: The rate of change of pH did not differ by treatment arm, but Pco2 increased more rapidly in the fast versus slow fluid infusion arms during the initial 4 h of treatment. The anion gap also decreased more rapidly in the fast versus slow infusion arms during the initial 4 and 8 h. Glucose-corrected sodium levels remained stable in patients assigned to 0.90% saline but decreased in those assigned to 0.45% saline at 4 and 8 h. Potassium levels decreased, while chloride levels increased more rapidly with 0.90% versus 0.45% saline. Hyperchloremic acidosis occurred more frequently in patients in the fast arms (46.1%) versus the slow arms (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In children treated for DKA, faster fluid administration rates led to a more rapid normalization of anion gap and Pco2 than slower fluid infusion rates but were associated with an increased frequency of hyperchloremic acidosis.

Endometrial Cast Expulsion: A Rare Cause of Pelvic Pain Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Menorrhagia is common in adolescents and may necessitate treatment with hormonal contraceptive agents. We describe a case of an adolescent female recently initiated on combined hormonal contraceptive pills with passage of an endometrial cast, a rare complication of hormonal contraceptive therapy. Similarities between this case and limited existing literature shed light on the potential pathophysiology and management of this rare, adverse event. As demonstrated by our case, membranous dysmenorrhea, the term for pain associated with shedding an endometrial cast, should be part of the differential diagnosis of an adolescent female with lower abdominal pain who has recently initiated hormonal contraceptive therapy.

Frequency and Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury During Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children and Association With Neurocognitive Outcomes.

Importance: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs commonly during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children, but the underlying mechanisms and associations are unclear. Objective: To investigate risk factors for AKI and its association with neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric DKA. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was a secondary analysis of data from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in DKA Study, a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing fluid protocols for pediatric DKA in 13 US hospitals. Included DKA episodes occurred among children age younger than 18 years with blood glucose 300 mg/dL or greater and venous pH less than 7.25 or serum bicarbonate level less than 15 mEq/L. Exposures: DKA requiring intravenous insulin therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: AKI occurrence and stage were assessed using serum creatinine measurements using Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. DKA episodes with and without AKI were compared using univariable and multivariable methods, exploring associated factors. Results: Among 1359 DKA episodes (mean [SD] patient age, 11.6 [4.1] years; 727 [53.5%] girls; 651 patients [47.9%] with new-onset diabetes), AKI occurred in 584 episodes (43%; 95% CI, 40%-46%). A total of 252 AKI events (43%; 95% CI, 39%-47%) were stage 2 or 3. Multivariable analyses identified older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] per 1 year, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09; P = .03), higher initial serum urea nitrogen (AOR per 1 mg/dL increase, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11-1.18; P < .001), higher heart rate (AOR for 1-SD increase in z-score, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.32; P < .001), higher glucose-corrected sodium (AOR per 1 mEq/L increase, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; P = .001) and glucose concentrations (AOR per 100 mg/dL increase, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.32; P = .001), and lower pH (AOR per 0.1 increase, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51-0.78; P < .001) as variables associated with AKI. Children with AKI, compared with those without, had lower scores on tests of short-term memory during DKA (mean [SD] digit span recall: 6.8 [2.4] vs 7.6 [2.2]; P = .02) and lower mean (SD) IQ scores 3 to 6 months after recovery from DKA (100.0 [12.2] vs 103.5 [13.2]; P = .005). Differences persisted after adjusting for DKA severity and demographic factors, including socioeconomic status. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that AKI may occur more frequently in children with greater acidosis and circulatory volume depletion during DKA and may be part of a pattern of multiple organ injury involving the kidneys and brain.

Cognitive Function Following Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children With New-Onset or Previously Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed whether a single diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episode is associated with cognitive declines in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and whether the same is true in children who had previously been diagnosed after accounting for variations in glycemic control and other relevant factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 758 children, 6-18 years old, who presented with DKA in a randomized multisite clinical trial evaluating intravenous fluid protocols for DKA treatment. DKA was moderate/severe in 430 children and mild in 328 children. A total of 392 children with DKA had new onset of type 1 diabetes, and the rest were previously diagnosed. Neurocognitive assessment occurred 2-6 months after the DKA episode. A comparison group of 376 children with type 1 diabetes, but no DKA exposure, was also enrolled. RESULTS: Among all patients, moderate/severe DKA was associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) (ß = -0.12, P < 0.001), item-color recall (ß = -0.08, P = 0.010), and forward digit span (ß = -0.06, P = 0.04). Among newly diagnosed patients, moderate/severe DKA was associated with lower item-color recall (ß = -0.08, P = 0.04). Among previously diagnosed patients, repeated DKA exposure and higher HbA1c were independently associated with lower IQ (ß = -0.10 and ß = -0.09, respectively, P < 0.01) and higher HbA1c was associated with lower item-color recall (ß = -0.10, P = 0.007) after hypoglycemia, diabetes duration, and socioeconomic status were accounted for. CONCLUSIONS: A single DKA episode is associated with subtle memory declines soon after type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Sizable IQ declines are detectable in children with known diabetes, suggesting that DKA effects may be exacerbated in children with chronic exposure to hyperglycemia.

Hypertension during Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize hemodynamic alterations occurring during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a large cohort of children and to identify clinical and biochemical factors associated with hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: This was a planned secondary analysis of data from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in DKA Study, a randomized clinical trial of fluid resuscitation protocols for children in DKA. Hemodynamic data (heart rate, blood pressure) from children with DKA were assessed in comparison with normal values for age and sex. Multivariable statistical modeling was used to explore clinical and laboratory predictors of hypertension. RESULTS: Among 1258 DKA episodes, hypertension was documented at presentation in 154 (12.2%) and developed during DKA treatment in an additional 196 (15.6%), resulting in a total of 350 DKA episodes (27.8%) in which hypertension occurred at some time. Factors associated with hypertension at presentation included more severe acidosis, (lower pH and lower pCO2), and stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury. More severe acidosis and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores were associated with hypertension occurring at any time during DKA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite dehydration, hypertension occurs in a substantial number of children with DKA. Factors associated with hypertension include greater severity of acidosis, lower pCO2, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores during DKA treatment, suggesting that hypertension might be centrally mediated.

Prevalence of Errors in Anaphylaxis in Kids (PEAK): A Multicenter Simulation-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Multi-institutional, international practice variation of pediatric anaphylaxis management by health care providers has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To characterize variability in epinephrine administration for pediatric anaphylaxis across institutions, including frequency and types of medication errors. METHODS: A prospective, observational, study using a standardized in situ simulated anaphylaxis scenario was performed across 28 health care institutions in 6 countries. The on-duty health care team was called for a child (patient simulator) in anaphylaxis. Real medications and supplies were obtained from their actual locations. Demographic data about team members, institutional protocols for anaphylaxis, timing of epinephrine delivery, medication errors, and systems safety issues discovered during the simulation were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-seven in situ simulations were performed. Anaphylaxis guidelines existed in 41% (15 of 37) of institutions. Teams used a cognitive aid for medication dosing 41% (15 of 37) of the time and 32% (12 of 37) for preparation. Epinephrine autoinjectors were not available in 54% (20 of 37) of institutions and were used in only 14% (5 of 37) of simulations. Median time to epinephrine administration was 95 seconds (interquartile range, 77-252) for epinephrine autoinjector and 263 seconds (interquartile range, 146-407.5) for manually prepared epinephrine (P = .12). At least 1 medication error occurred in 68% (25 of 37) of simulations. Nursing experience with epinephrine administration for anaphylaxis was associated with fewer preparation (P = .04) and administration (P = .01) errors. Latent safety threats were reported by 30% (11 of 37) of institutions, and more than half of these (6 of 11) involved a cognitive aid. CONCLUSIONS: A multicenter, international study of simulated pediatric anaphylaxis reveals (1) variation in management between institutions in the use of protocols, cognitive aids, and medication formularies, (2) frequent errors involving epinephrine, and (3) latent safety threats related to cognitive aids among multiple sites.

Clinical Trial of Fluid Infusion Rates for Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis in children may cause brain injuries ranging from mild to severe. Whether intravenous fluids contribute to these injuries has been debated for decades. METHODS: We conducted a 13-center, randomized, controlled trial that examined the effects of the rate of administration and the sodium chloride content of intravenous fluids on neurologic outcomes in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. Children were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups in a 2-by-2 factorial design (0.9% or 0.45% sodium chloride content and rapid or slow rate of administration). The primary outcome was a decline in mental status (two consecutive Glasgow Coma Scale scores of <14, on a scale ranging from 3 to 15, with lower scores indicating worse mental status) during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. Secondary outcomes included clinically apparent brain injury during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, short-term memory during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, and memory and IQ 2 to 6 months after recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis. RESULTS: A total of 1389 episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis were reported in 1255 children. The Glasgow Coma Scale score declined to less than 14 in 48 episodes (3.5%), and clinically apparent brain injury occurred in 12 episodes (0.9%). No significant differences among the treatment groups were observed with respect to the percentage of episodes in which the Glasgow Coma Scale score declined to below 14, the magnitude of decline in the Glasgow Coma Scale score, or the duration of time in which the Glasgow Coma Scale score was less than 14; with respect to the results of the tests of short-term memory; or with respect to the incidence of clinically apparent brain injury during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. Memory and IQ scores obtained after the children's recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis also did not differ significantly among the groups. Serious adverse events other than altered mental status were rare and occurred with similar frequency in all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the rate of administration nor the sodium chloride content of intravenous fluids significantly influenced neurologic outcomes in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Health Resources and Services Administration; PECARN DKA FLUID ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00629707 .).

An Objective Structured Clinical Examination to Improve Formative Assessment for Senior Pediatrics Residents.

BACKGROUND: Residency programs are developing new methods to assess resident competence and to improve the quality of formative assessment and feedback to trainees. Simulation is a valuable tool for giving formative feedback to residents. OBJECTIVE: To develop an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to improve formative assessment of senior pediatrics residents. METHODS: We developed a multistation examination using various simulation formats to assess the skills of senior pediatrics residents in communication and acute resuscitation. We measured several logistical factors (staffing and program costs) to determine the feasibility of such a program. RESULTS: Thirty-one residents participated in the assessment program over a 3-month period. Residents received formative feedback comparing their performance to both a standard task checklist and to peers' performance. The program required 16 faculty members per session, and had a cost of $624 per resident. CONCLUSIONS: A concentrated assessment program using simulation can be a valuable tool to assess residents' skills in communication and acute resuscitation and provide directed formative feedback. However, such a program requires considerable financial and staffing resources.

Impact of simulation training on time to initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for first-year pediatrics residents.

BACKGROUND: Pediatrics residents have few opportunities to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Enhancing the quality of CPR is a key factor to improving outcomes for cardiopulmonary arrest in children and requires effective training strategies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation-based intervention to reduce first-year pediatrics residents' time for 3 critical actions in CPR: (1) call for help, (2) initiate bag-mask ventilation, and (3) initiate chest compressions. METHODS: A prospective study involving 31 first-year pediatrics residents at a children's hospital assigned to an early or late (control) intervention group. Residents underwent baseline assessment followed by repeat evaluations at 3 and 6 months. Time to critical actions was scored by video review. A 90-minute educational intervention focused on skill practice was conducted following baseline evaluation for the early-intervention group and following 3-month evaluation for the late-intervention group. Primary outcome was change in time to initiating the 3 critical actions. Change in time was analyzed by comparison of Kaplan-Meier curves, using the log-rank test. A 10% sample was timed by a second rater. Agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in time for all 3 critical actions between baseline and 3-month evaluation in the early intervention group; this was not observed in the late (control) group. Rater agreement was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: A simulation-based educational intervention significantly reduced time to initiation of CPR for first-year pediatrics residents. Simulation training facilitated acquisition of critical CPR skills that have the potential to impact patient outcome.

Comparison of checklist and anchored global rating instruments for performance rating of simulated pediatric emergencies.

PURPOSE: To compare the psychometric performance of two rating instruments used to assess trainee performance in three clinical scenarios. METHODS: This study was part of a two-phase, randomized trial with a wait-list control condition assessing the effectiveness of a pediatric emergency medicine curriculum targeting general emergency medicine residents. Residents received 6 hours of instruction either before or after the first assessment. Separate pairs of raters completed either a dichotomous checklist for each of three cases or the Global Performance Assessment Tool (GPAT), an anchored multidimensional scale. A fully crossed person×rater×case generalizability study was conducted. The effect of training year on performance is assessed using multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS: The person and person×case components accounted for most of the score variance for both instruments. Using either instrument, scores demonstrated a small but significant increase as training level increased when analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance. The inter-rater reliability coefficient was >0.9 for both instruments. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that our checklist and anchored global rating instrument performed in a psychometrically similar fashion with high reliability. As long as proper attention is given to instrument design and testing and rater training, checklists and anchored assessment scales can produce reproducible data for a given population of subjects. The validity of the data arising for either instrument type must be assessed rigorously and with a focus, when practicable, on patient care outcomes.