Author(s) :

Aaron Ooi, Sukhbir Sandhu, Alexandra Wallace.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the utility of an undergraduate paediatric simulation workshop developed within a resource constrained setting over a three-year period. Methods: Student perceptions were gathered exploring the usefulness of the workshop and the appropriateness of the level of difficulty of scenarios in relation to their experience utilising Likert scales. Free-text qualitative responses were collected identifying the learning points encountered, what students found useful, and suggestions for improvement. Results: All 170 students who participated in the workshop responded. All students strongly agreed or agreed that the workshop was a useful learning exercise, and 165 (97%) thought that the level of difficulty of the scenarios was appropriate for their experience. Key learning points identified included the importance of a structured approach, having effective communication skills, the appreciation of human factors, and the application of knowledge and utilisation of resources when managing an unwell child. Reported useful aspects of the simulation workshop included the supportive learning environment, the designed clinical scenarios, the opportunity to negotiate complex human factors, and the debriefing process. Variations in themes emphasised were observed amongst fifth and sixth year student groups, with the most common suggestion for improvement being additional sessions. Conclusions: Simulation is a useful and effective learning tool for paediatric medical students when tailored appropriately to their level of experience, even within a resource constrained setting.

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