1887
Volume 2025, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 0253-8253
  • EISSN: 2227-0426

Abstract

Pediatric emergencies require specialized prehospital care due to children’s unique medical needs. This study explored the perceptions of a Middle Eastern Ambulance Service’s paramedics regarding the impact of pediatric-related simulation-based activities on their knowledge and confidence. It also evaluated the influence of pre-simulation activities, including online materials, lectures, video-based learning, and skills workstations, on their preparedness for these simulations.

This quantitative study involved 225 paramedics who participated in a 1-day pediatric Continuous Professional Development program conducted between January and March 2022. Following the program, participants completed an online post-program survey utilizing the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M).

The SET-M results showed strong agreement (>90%) regarding the effectiveness of simulation in enhancing knowledge and confidence (M = 2.9, SD = 0.24–0.32). Participants also strongly agreed (>89.3) that pre-simulation activities improved their preparedness for simulation. Skills workstations received the highest ratings (M = 2.9, SD = 0.26), while video-based learning was slightly lower (M = 2.9, SD = 0.31). The breakdown analysis of two survey statements indicated that, regardless of experience, simulation exposure, or qualifications, participants positively perceived the effectiveness of both simulation scenarios and pre-simulation activities.

The study highlights the paramedics’ perceived positive impact of simulation on their knowledge and confidence in managing pediatric emergencies, emphasizing the value of pre-simulation activities in enhancing their preparedness for the simulation-based activity. The findings hold practical implications for educators, curriculum designers, and paramedic practitioners in improving pediatric emergency training.

© 2025 Mukherjee, Sarkar, Pandit, Ray, Das, Dubey, Licensee HBKU Press.
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.86
2025-09-15
2025-12-15

Metrics

Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/qmj/2025/3/qmj.2025.86.html?itemId=/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.86&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. Yuknis ML, Weinstein E, Maxey H, Price L, Vaughn SX, Arkins T, et al.. Frequency of pediatric emergencies in ambulatory practices. Pediatrics. 2018 08; 142:(2):e20173082. c10.1542/peds.2017-3082
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Lerner EB, Browne LR, Studnek JR, Mann NC, Dai M, Hoffman CK, et al.. A novel use of NEMSIS to create a PECARN-specific EMS patient registry. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2022 07-08; 26:(4):484–91.https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2021.1951407
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Guise J-M, Hansen M, O’Brien K, Dickinson C, Meckler G, Engle P, et al.. Emergency medical services responders’ perceptions of the effect of stress and anxiety on patient safety in the out-of-hospital emergency care of children: a qualitative study. BMJ Open. 2017 02; 7:(2):e014057.https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014057
     [Google Scholar]
  4. Cottrell EK, O’Brien K, Curry M, Meckler GD, Engle PP, Jui J, et al.. Understanding safety in prehospital emergency medical services for children. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2014 07-09; 18:(3):350–8.https://doi.org/10.3109/10903127.2013.869640
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Hansen M, Meckler G, O’Brien K, Engle P, Dickinson C, Dickinson K, et al.. Pediatric airway management and prehospital patient safety: results of a national Delphi survey by the Children’s Safety Initiative-Emergency Medical Services for Children. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2016 09; 32:(9):603–7.https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000000742
     [Google Scholar]
  6. Gaba DM. The future vision of simulation in health care. Qual Saf Health Care. 2004 10; 13:(suppl 1):i2–i10.https://doi.org/10.1136/qhc.13.suppl_1.i2
     [Google Scholar]
  7. Alinier G, Oriot D. Simulation-based education: deceiving learners with good intent. Adv Simul (Lond). 2022 03; 7:(1):8.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41077-022-00206-3
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Shah MI, Carey JM, Rapp SE, Masciale M, Alcanter WB, Mondragon JA, et al.. Impact of high-fidelity pediatric simulation on paramedic seizure management. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2016 07-08; 20:(4):499–507.https://doi.org/10.3109/10903127.2016.1139217
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Sandy PT, Meyer JT, Oduniyi OS, Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH. Paramedic students’ confidence and satisfaction with clinical simulations of an emergency medical care programme in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. Health SA. 2021 04; 26:1522.https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v26i0.1522
     [Google Scholar]
  10. McDermott DS, Ludlow J, Horsley E, Meakim C. Healthcare simulation standards of best practiceTM prebriefing: preparation and briefing. Clin Simul Nurs. 2021 09; 58:9.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2021.08.008
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Saroha J. Types and significance of population pyramids. World Wide J Multidiscip Res Dev. 2018; 4:(4):59–69.
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Alinier G, Mraidi R, Hamzaoui M, Vincent F, Naidoo V, Meyer J, et al.. Sustainment of a weekly OSCE with new staff in an Ambulance Paramedic Training Department. J Emerg Med Trauma Acute Care. 2016 10; 2016:(2):80.https://doi.org/10.5339/jemtac.2016.icepq.80
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Demir S, Tunçbilek Z, Naidoo V, Morris T, Alinier G. Paramedic education in Qatar as seen by academics from Turkey. Int Paramed Pract. 2023 02; 13:(1):2–8.https://doi.org/10.12968/ippr.2023.13.1.2
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Naidoo V, Alinier G. Gauging the impact of Pediatric education on Paramedics’ knowledge. J Emerg Med Trauma Acute Care. 2022 01; 2022:(1):67.https://doi.org/10.5339/jemtac.2022.qhc.67
     [Google Scholar]
  15. McDermott DS, Ludlow J. A prebriefing guide for online, virtual, or distant simulation experiences. Clin Simul Nurs. 2022 06; 67:1.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2022.03.004
     [Google Scholar]
  16. Dileone C, Chyun D, Diaz DA, Maruca AT. An examination of simulation prebriefing in nursing education: an integrative review. Nurs Educ Perspect. 2020 11/12; 41:(6):345–8.https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000689
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Nascimento JdSG, Costa ABF, Sangiovani JC, Silva TCdS, Regino DdSG, Dalri MCB. Pre-simulation, prebriefing or briefing in nursing simulation: what are the differences. Rev Eletr Enferm. 2020; 22:60171. https://doi.org/10.5216/ree.v22.60171
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Leighton K, Ravert P, Mudra V, Macintosh C. Updating the simulation effectiveness tool: item modifications and reevaluation of psychometric properties. Nurs Educ Perspect. 2015 09-10; 36:(5):317–23.https://doi.org/10.5480/15-1671
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Jansson J, Larsson M, Nilsson J. Advanced paramedics and nurses can deliver safe and effective pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency care: an integrative review. Nurs Open. 2021 09; 8:(5):2385–405.https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.866
     [Google Scholar]
  20. Rossler K, Molloy MA, Pastva AM, Brown M, Xavier N. Healthcare simulation standards of best PracticeTM simulation-enhanced interprofessional education. Clin Simul Nurs. 2021 09; 58:49.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2021.08.015
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Demir S, Tunçbilek Z, Alinier G. Prehospital emergency health services in Qatar. J Paramed Pract. 2022 11; 14:(11):456–62.https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2022.14.11.456
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Cheng A, Eppich W, Epps C, Kolbe M, Meguerdichian M, Grant V. Embracing informed learner self-assessment during debriefing: the art of plus-delta. Adv Simul (Lond). 2021 06; 6:(1):22.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41077-021-00173-1
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Kleinheksel A, Rockich-Winston N, Tawfik H, Wyatt TR. Demystifying content analysis. Am J Pharm Educ. 2020 01; 84:(1):7113.https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7113
     [Google Scholar]
  24. Blackie B, Al Ansari K, Alinier G, Haidar N, Huda S, Adeola R, et al.. The Qatar Pediatric Emergency Medicine International Conference – Knowledge Translation Successes and Challenges. In Qatar Health Congress 2023 and Third Public Health Conference. Doha: HMD; 2024.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. Badiee F, Kaufman D. Effectiveness of an online simulation for teacher education. J Technol Teach Educ. 2014 04; 22:(2):167–86.
    [Google Scholar]
  26. Mayville ML. Debriefing: the essential step in simulation. Newborn Infant Nurs Rev. 2011 03; 11:(1):35–9.https://doi.org/10.1053/j.nainr.2010.12.012
     [Google Scholar]
  27. Cicero MX, Whitfill T, Overly F, Baird J, Walsh B, Yarzebski J, et al.. Pediatric disaster triage: multiple simulation curriculum improves prehospital care providers’ assessment skills. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2017 03-04; 21:(2):201–8.https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2016.1235239
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Wheeler B, Dippenaar E. The use of simulation as a teaching modality for paramedic education: a scoping review. Br Paramed J. 2020 12; 5:(3):31–43.https://doi.org/10.29045/14784726.2020.12.5.3.31
     [Google Scholar]
  29. Lindhard MS, Thim S, Laursen HS, Schram AW, Paltved C, Henriksen TB. Simulation-based neonatal resuscitation team training: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2021 04; 147:(4):e2020042010.https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-042010
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Lee-Jayaram JJ, Kunimune M, Hara KM, Barnes LC, Berg BW. Pediatric simulation training for emergency pre-hospital providers in Hawai ‘i: an inter-professional curriculum collaboration and update. Hawai’i J Health Soc Welf. 2020 05; 79:(5 Suppl 1):13–8.
    [Google Scholar]
  31. Glomb NW, Shah MI, Kosoko AA, Doughty CB, Galapi C, Laba B, et al.. Educational impact of a pilot paediatric simulation-based training course in Botswana. BMJ Simul Technol Enhanc Learn. 2020 09; 6:(5):279–83.https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjstel-2019-000501
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Stopyra JP, Wright JL, Fitch MT, Mitchell MS. Pediatric needle cricothyrotomy: a case for simulation in prehospital medicine. MedEdPORTAL. 2017 06; 13:10589.https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10589
     [Google Scholar]
  33. Hughes PG, Hughes KE. Briefing prior to simulation activity. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
     [Google Scholar]
  34. Chamberlain J. The impact of simulation prebriefing on perceptions of overall effectiveness, learning, and self-confidence in nursing students. Nurs Educ Perspect. 2017 05-06; 38:(3):119–25.https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000135
     [Google Scholar]
  35. Farrell C, Dorney K, Mathews B, Boyle T, Kitchen A, Doyle J, et al.. A statewide collaboration to deliver and evaluate a pediatric critical care simulation curriculum for emergency medical services. Front Pediatr. 2022 06; 10:903950.https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.903950
     [Google Scholar]
  36. Watts PI, McDermott DS, Alinier G, Charnetski M, Ludlow J, Horsley E, et al.. Healthcare simulation standards of best practiceTM simulation design. Clin Simul Nurs. 2021 09; 58:14.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2021.08.009
     [Google Scholar]
  37. Persico L, Belle A, DiGregorio H, Wilson-Keates B, Shelton C. Healthcare simulation standards of best practiceTM facilitation. Clin Simul Nurs. 2021 09; 58:22.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2021.08.010
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Marshall C, Van Der Volgen J, Lombardo N, Hamasu C, Cardell E, Blumenthal DK. A mixed methods approach to assess the impact of an interprofessional education medical error simulation. Am J Pharm Educ. 2020 02; 84:(2):7133.https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7133
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Ahmad M, Page M, Goodsman D. What is simulation-based medical education (SBME) debriefing in prehospital medicine? A qualitative, ethnographic study exploring SBME debriefing in prehospital medical education. BMC Med Educ. 2023 02; 23:(1):625.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04592-8
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Guerrero JG, Tungpalan-Castro GM, Pingue-Raguini M. Impact of simulation debriefing structure on knowledge and skill acquisition for postgraduate critical care nursing students: three-phase vs. multiphase. BMC Nurs. 2022 11; 21:(1):318.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-01100-z
     [Google Scholar]
  41. Abulebda K, Auerbach M, Limaiem F. Debriefing techniques utilized in medical simulation. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/nbk546660
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Brackney DE, Priode KS. Creating context with prebriefing: a case example using simulation. J Nurs Educ Pract. 2014; 5:(1):129.https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v5n1p129
     [Google Scholar]
  43. McDermott DS. Prebriefing: a historical perspective and evolution of a model and strategy (Know: Do: Teach). Clin Simul Nurs. 2020 12; 49:40.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2020.05.005
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Song E, Issenberg SB, Roh YS. Effects of prebriefing using online team-based learning in advanced life support education for nurses. Comput Inform Nurs. 2023 12; 41:(11):909–14.https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000001056
     [Google Scholar]
  45. Skulmowski A, Xu KM. Understanding cognitive load in digital and online learning: a new perspective on extraneous cognitive load. Educ Psychol Rev. 2022; 34:(1):171–96.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09624-7
     [Google Scholar]
  46. Lammers RL, Willoughby-Byrwa MJ, Vos DG, Fales WD. Comparison of four methods of paramedic continuing education in the management of pediatric emergencies. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2022 07J-08; 26:(4):463–75.https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2021.1916140
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Gordani Y, Khajavi Y. The impacts of multi-modal PowerPoint presentation on the EFL students’ content knowledge attainment and retention over time. Educ Inform Technol. 2019 07; 25:(1):403–17.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09979-z
     [Google Scholar]
  48. Kiernan LC. Evaluating competence and confidence using simulation technology. Nursing. 2018 09; 48:(10):45–52.https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0000545022.36908.f3
     [Google Scholar]
  49. Kim H-J, Lee H-C. Differences in advanced cardiac life support knowledge, confidence, satisfaction, and performance ability of paramedic students according to simulation education methods. Korean J Emerg Med Serv. 2021; 25:(3):111–25.https://doi.org/10.14408/KJEMS.2021.25.3.111
     [Google Scholar]
  50. Dutsinma LIF, Temdee P. VARK learning style classification using decision tree with physiological signals. Wireless Pers Commun. 2020; 115:(4):2875–96.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-020-07196-3
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.86
Loading
Exploring the perceived impact of pediatric simulations and pre-simulation activities in paramedic education: A quantitative post-intervention study
Qatar Medical Journal 2025, 86 (2025); https://doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2025.86
/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.86
/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.86
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): paramedic education, pediatric emergencies, pre-simulation activities, Qatar and Simulation-based learning

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error