The perception of the medical student about realistic simulation in pediatrics

Abstract

Introduction: The use of realistic simulation in pediatric emergencies is particularly valuable, as it allows the training of technical, attitudinal, and cognitive skills, helping to ensure patient safety. Objective: This study aims to describe the student’s perception of using the High-Fidelity Realistic Simulation in the pediatric emergency modules during the internship. Methods: Observational, descriptive study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to sixth-year medical students at the end of the pediatric internship modules, which lasted eight weeks, from August to December 2020. All of them participated in two types of activities on 14 topics: high-fidelity simulation (HFS) and structured discussion of clinical cases (SDCC). Results: Of the 33 participants, 29 answered the questionnaire. The mean age was 24 ± 1.8 years, and 58.6% were female. All agreed that the experience with HFS contributed to safer performance in pediatric emergencies, considered optimal by 76% and good for the remainder. Most thought the association of HFS and SDCC was the ideal method (96%). The content analysis of the responses on HFS highlighted thematic units in five categories: significant learning, contribution to professional training, skills, attitude/behavior, and quality of the activity. Conclusions: Students’ reaction to using HFS in pediatric emergencies was very positive, and its association with SDCC was considered the ideal teaching method. Knowing the students’ reactions helps teachers plan their activities to improve the teaching-learning method.