PC3117: Virtual Reality Simulation in Pediatric Resuscitation for Pre-hospital Providers

Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulation in healthcare supplements live simulation for both technical and non-technical skills, allowing for accommodation of different schedules and repeat review of material without need of a facilitator. The effectiveness and feasibility of a VR pediatric resuscitation simulation for pre-hospital providers has not been previously evaluated.

Methods: This program evaluation explored the feasibility and utility of VR pediatric resuscitation simulations (Health Scholars, USA) on the Oculus Quest 2 (Facebook Inc., USA) to improve the quality of pre-hospital provider training. Pre-hospital providers included emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics practicing in an urban city at Pacific Northwest. The training tool and instruction manual were available at a fire station for 10 days. No facilitator was present. The training was offered to all the providers during their shifts without individually assigned scheduled times. The module for EMTs, Pediatric Emergency Assessment, included five scenarios: recognition of pediatric stable patient, respiratory distress, shock, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and sinus tachycardia. The module for paramedics, Pediatric Emergency Care, included six scenarios: management of pediatric shock, SVT, unstable tachycardia, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, lower airway obstruction and opioid intoxication. An anonymous, retrospective pre- and post-survey was performed using a 5-point Likert scale rating level of confidence in recognition and management from very confident to unconfident.

Results: From October 7, 2021, to October 17, 2021; 37 pre-hospital providers (25 EMTs and 12 paramedics) completed a total of 197 VR scenarios. 97% had experienced < 5 pediatric resuscitations over the preceding six months. Median responses of “very confident” were higher in paramedics after the training (retrospective pre, 58 vs post, 67, p< 0.05) (Figure 1). There were greater increases in EMTs’ confidence with recognition of pediatric shock and SVT compared to other scenarios (Figure 2). Overall participant perceptions were positive.

Conclusion: This program evaluation demonstrated that VR simulation is a feasible training tool which may increase confidence in management of pediatric patients in prehospital providers with limited exposure to pediatric emergencies. Further studies are needed to identify effects on patient outcomes.