Canadian Medical Education Journal (Jun 2021)

Rehearsal simulation for antenatal consults

  • Anita Cheng,
  • Doris Yuen,
  • Sayra Cristancho

DOI
https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.71376
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 3

Abstract

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Background: Rehearsal simulations are patient-specific case-matched tasks performed immediately prior to the actual task, with the objective of improving performance. Objective: How does rehearsal simulation for antenatal consults impact how residents learn to engage in difficult conversations with families? Study Design: Residents in the NICU performed case-matched video recorded rehearsal simulations, followed by actual antenatal consults. The purpose of antenatal consults is to prepare parents expecting a complication with their baby before birth. Questionnaires assessed changes in resident confidence and self-assessment of communication skills. Residents were interviewed for qualitative data to explore the overall impact of rehearsal simulation on their learning and performance. Results: Thirteen residents participated. Rehearsal simulation improved confidence with a more organized approach of medical content and better communication techniques, allowing for a shift of focus from a checklist approach to building rapport and displaying empathy. Conclusions: While rehearsal simulation did not prepare residents for unexpected parent responses, trainees’ increased confidence with medical content organization and communication techniques created space for reflection-in-action and compassionate approaches.