Bridging the Gap Using Interspecialty High-Fidelity Simulation to Improve Skills in Adolescent Emergency Medicine

Introduction Adolescents are attending emergency departments (EDs) in increasing numbers, accounting for 21% attendances in the United Kingdom. A recent report by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People highlighted deficiencies in the support offered by EDs to adolescents. Aim The aim of this study was to develop a high-fidelity simulation-based course focused on managing common adolescent presentations to the ED. Methodology A 1-day mixed-modality course comprising of simulations, lectures, and skill stations, mapped to the pediatric and emergency medicine curriculum, was designed. The faculty developed and delivered 8 high-fidelity simulations. Precourse and immediate postcourse questionnaires were used to assess confidence levels and gain qualitative data. Delayed feedback was collected at 3 months. Results There were 36 participants; 86% (n = 31) completed the precourse feedback, 96% (n = 34) completed the postcourse feedback, and 47% (n = 17) completed the delayed feedback. There was a statistically significant increase in self-reported confidence across all domains with a median increase of 21.25% immediately, sustained at 20% on delayed 3-month feedback. Qualitative feedback noted a change in practice, "I used (the knowledge) regularly while working in children's A + E." Conclusions This was a feasible, high-fidelity simulation-based study day covering the key components of adolescent medicine. The sustained increase in confidence at 3 months and the positive qualitative and quantitative feedback are supportive of the use of simulation to improve adolescent emergency care.