506 - Potential Benefits and Challenges of Simulation-based Neonatal Resuscitation Competition: An Observational Report from Provincial Competition in China.

Poster Number: 506
Publication Number: 506.3051

Background: Simulation-based neonatal resuscitation training has been implemented worldwide with good educational and clinical results. Simulation-based competition (SBC), as an innovative derivative of neonatal resuscitation training, has also been practiced in China recently. The potential effectiveness and challenges of competition rarely attract the attention of medical educators.

Objective: We investigated the benefits and challenges of SBC and tested the hypothesis that after SBC, participants could improve compliance with NRP® algorithm and teamwork, achieve lower stress level and higher confidence level in neonatal resuscitation.

Design/Methods: Simulation-based competition was initiated and organized by the Guangdong Medical Association, and conducted at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital on 28-29 February 2023. A total of 108 health care providers in 27 teams from different regions in Guangdong Province participated in the competition. Each team consisted of 4 members (NICU physician [lead], NICU nurse, midwife and obstetrician). The participants worked as a team to complete resuscitation scenario (16 min) and their performance including teamwork was evaluated by 6-8 assessors in semi-final and final rounds of SBC. All participants were encouraged to take part in a post-resuscitation questionnaire survey voluntarily immediately after finishing the scenarios. Demographic characteristics and questionnaire results of participants were collected, including the confidence and perceived stress level (ten-point scale) of participants before and after the competition.

Results: Ninety-eight (91%) participants completed the survey and returned 114 post-resuscitation questionnaires, including 16 participants finished 2 questionnaires in both semi-final and final rounds. Demographics of participants are shown in table 1. Participants perceived top benefits of SBC including improved compliance with NRP® algorithm, technical skills and teamwork (Figure 1), with the least benefit in improving self-confidence (vs. other benefits, P< 0.001). After the competition, the confidence and stress level did not change significantly (7.1±2.1 and 6.6±2.3 vs 6.9±1.9 and vs 7.0±2.1, P=0.53 and P=0.21, respectively) (Table 2). In the teamwork assessment, there was no significant difference between that by assessors and team members (6.7±1.7 vs 7.0±2.2, P=0.36, respectively).

Conclusion(s): Participants in SBC might be benefited with improved compliance with NRP® algorithm, technical skills and teamwork. Further research is needed to explore ways to improve self-confidence and decrease stress level in neonatal resuscitation.