Use of simulation-based education to improve resident learning and patient care in the medical intensive care unit: a randomized trial Journal Article


Authors: Schroedl, C. J.; Corbridge, T. C.; Cohen, E. R.; Fakhran, S. S.; Schimmel, D.; McGaghie, W. C.; Wayne, D. B.
Article Title: Use of simulation-based education to improve resident learning and patient care in the medical intensive care unit: a randomized trial
Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of simulation-based education on the knowledge and skills of internal medicine residents in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). METHODS AND MATERIALS: From January 2009 to January 2010, 60 first-year residents at a tertiary care teaching hospital were randomized by month of rotation to an intervention group (simulator-trained, n = 26) and a control group (traditionally trained, n = 34). Simulator-trained residents completed 4 hours of simulation-based education before their medical intensive care unit (MICU) rotation. Topics included circulatory shock, respiratory failure, and mechanical ventilation. After their rotation, residents completed a standardized bedside skills assessment using a 14-item checklist regarding respiratory mechanics, ventilator settings, and circulatory parameters. Performance of simulator-trained and traditionally trained residents was compared using a 2-tailed independent-samples t test. RESULTS: Simulator-trained residents scored significantly higher on the bedside skills assessment compared with traditionally trained residents (82.5% +/- 10.6% vs 74.8% +/- 14.1%, P = .027). Simulator-trained residents were highly satisfied with the simulation curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation-based education significantly improved resident knowledge and skill in the MICU. Knowledge acquired in the simulated environment was transferred to improved bedside skills caring for MICU patients. Simulation-based education is a valuable adjunct to standard clinical training for residents in the MICU.
Journal Title: Journal of critical care
Volume: 27
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1557-8615; 0883-9441
Publisher: Elsevier Inc  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 219.e7
End Page: 219.13
Language: eng
DOI/URL:
Notes: ID: 12721; CI: Copyright (c) 2012; GR: UL 1 RR 025741/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States; JID: 8610642; 2011/01/07 [received]; 2011/07/29 [revised]; 2011/08/09 [accepted]; 2011/10/26 [aheadofprint]; ppublish
LUC Authors
Related LUC Article