528 - Simulation-Based Training in Intraosseous Cannulation: Improving Procedural Skills in Pediatrics Residents

Intraosseous (IO) cannulation is a life-saving procedure in critically ill children. Although its use in clinical practice is infrequent, it remains a vital skill for pediatric residents to learn and practice during residency training. Simulation-based teaching has been shown to be an important adjunct to medical education especially in practical skills acquisition.


Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of simulation-based training coupled with online learning module in knowledge and skill retention of IO cannulation in pediatric resident.

Design/Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted in a large pediatric residency program at a teaching hospital. Residents attended an online didactic module followed by small-group simulation-based training sessions on the use of IO needle drivers. Residents were asked to complete surveys to test their knowledge levels at baseline and three months following the didactic module. Skills were also assessed using a procedural checklist at baseline and three months after the training sessions. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test comparing the median scores of performance in both knowledge and skills assessments.

Results: Of the sixty-eight residents who underwent training, fifty-one and forty-nine residents completed the knowledge and skills assessments respectively in both the pre- and post- training phases. Median scores for the pre- and post- training phases were 19 and 22 respectively (p< 0.001). Median scores for the pre- and post-training skill assessments were 0 and 5 respectively (p< 0.001).

Conclusion(s): Simulation-based training and online didactic modules are effective teaching methods in improving IO cannulation skills for pediatric residents. More studies are needed to evaluate the translation of acquired skills into clinical practice.