Realistic simulation enhances pediatric emergency training in medical education

High-fidelity realistic simulation has proven to be a powerful tool for developing critical skills in medical students. A recent study published in the Jornal de Pediatria by the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) compared the effects of this teaching method with traditional clinical case discussions in pediatric emergency training, revealing the positive impact of both approaches on medical education.

Realistic Simulation in Medical Training
Realistic simulation is an active learning strategy that uses mannequins or actors to mimic real-life situations. It is especially useful in healthcare, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in a safe, controlled environment. This method also enables repetition of procedures and reflection on performance without putting patients at risk due to the learning curve.

High-fidelity simulation involves computerized mannequins that respond physiologically to students' actions. In medicine—particularly pediatrics, where critical situations are rare—this type of training is even more valuable. It allows students to experience emergency scenarios before working in hospitals, enhancing technical, cognitive, and teamwork skills under pressure.

Recognizing its potential in pediatric emergency education, IDOR researchers conducted a study to assess the impact of high-fidelity simulation on medical students, comparing it to a case discussion approach enhanced with gamification.

Simulated Immersion in a Hospital Emergency Setting
The study was carried out at a private medical school in Brazil and included 33 medical students divided into two groups: 18 students underwent high-fidelity simulation training, and 15 participated in clinical case discussions.

The primary goal was to evaluate the effect of these methods on students’ self-confidence, theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, attitude, and leadership. All participants completed questionnaires before and after the activities for comparison.

The simulation group trained using the PediaSIM simulator in an advanced lab. They participated in seven different pediatric emergency scenarios, including asthma attacks, hypovolemic shock, anaphylaxis, and organophosphate poisoning. Each session lasted about one hour and was followed by a 40-minute debriefing with instructors.

The case discussion group addressed the same topics using a gamified approach, encouraging students to actively analyze the anamnesis, physical exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Results
Both groups showed significant improvement in self-confidence and theoretical knowledge after the intervention. The simulation group’s self-confidence scores rose from 59.1 to 93.6, while the case discussion group’s scores increased from 50.5 to 88.2. Theoretical knowledge also improved in both: from 45.1 to 63.2 in the simulation group and from 43.5 to 56.7 in the discussion group.

However, only the simulation group demonstrated statistically significant gains in clinical reasoning, communication, attitude, and leadership—indicating a clear advantage for high-fidelity simulation.

Simulation Fosters Core Clinical Skills
While both teaching methods were effective for building confidence and knowledge, the assessments confirmed that high-fidelity simulation provided a more efficient environment for developing essential practical and behavioral skills for pediatric emergency care.

The study highlights the importance of incorporating realistic simulation into undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula to better prepare professionals for real-world clinical challenges.