Pediatric Emergency Medicine Simulation Curriculum: Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Abstract Rapid identification and stabilization of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its potential sequelae (hypoxia, hypotension, increased intracranial pressure leading to cerebral herniation and death) is critical to ensure the best long term neurological outcomes. As definitive care (surgical decompression) may only be available at pediatric trauma centers, prompt transfer to an appropriate pediatric trauma facility can be critical. This simulation-based scenario teaches learners to recognize and manage pediatric TBI injury with an integrated team communication focus. Learners will participate in a simulation scenario and be asked to identify the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury and its management. At the end of training, the learners should be able to recognize the seriousness of the situation and effectively coordinate a full resuscitation team. This resource includes extensive preparatory material to help instructors prepare the environment and reflect on their learners. Background information on simulation and debriefing theory is also provided. Two different types of debriefing tools have been tailored specifically for this scenario, with advice on how the instructor can modify them further for learners with different levels of experience and different opportunities for improvement. This scenario is one component of a larger course: the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Simulation course. Over the past four years, we have found that learners' performance in medical decision making, technical skills, and teamwork skills improve over time.

Keywords

• Brain Injuries
• Pediatric Resuscitation
• Pediatric Trauma
• Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury