Effects of Blindfold on Leadership in Pediatric Resuscitation Simulation: A Randomized Trial
Background: Pediatric resuscitations are rare events. Simulation based training improves clinical and non clinical skills, as well as survival rate. We assessed the effectiveness of using blindfolds to further improve leadership skills in pediatric simulation based training. Methods: Twelve teams, each composed of 1 pediatric emergency fellow, 1 pediatric resident, and 2 pediatric emergency nurses, were randomly assigned to the blindfold group (BG) or to the control group (CG) All groups participated in one session of five simulation based resuscitation scenarios. The intervention was using a blindfold for the BG leader for the scenarios B, C, and D. Three evaluators, who were blinded to the allocation, assessed leadership skills on the first and last video recorded scenarios (A and E) Questionnaires assessed self reported changes in stress and satisfaction about skills after the first and the last scenarios. Results: Improvement in leadership skills doubled in the BG compared with the CG (11.4 vs. 5.4% p 0.04) whereas there was no increase in stress or decrease in satisfaction. Conclusion: Blindfold could be an efficient method for leadership training during pediatric resuscitation simulated scenarios. Future studies should further assess its effect at a follow up and on clinical outcomes after pediatric resuscitation.
Front. Pediatr.