The role of simulation in neonatal and pediatric training and research

From a pediatric perspective, the two main types of simulation-based research are: studies that assess the efficacy of simulation as a training methodology and studies where simulation is used as an investigative methodology. Aim of the study. Overall, the aim of the research activity is to inquire the use of simulation as investigative methodology in pediatric and neonatal settings. Study design: Previously, we investigated the current use of simulation in pediatric fellowships in Italy in order to understand the state of the art and the expectations of pediatric residents with regard to simulationbased training and research. Furthermore, we developed suitable simulated scenarios for pediatric training and research. As second step, we evaluated technical (TS) and non-technical (NTS) skills in a sample of Italian pediatric residents using a neonatal resuscitation scenario; Finally, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of NeoTapAS in reliably determining HR from auscultation in a high-fidelity simulated newborn resuscitation scenario. Results and future perspectives: Firstly, we highlighted that an extremely high percentage of pediatric italian residents spent less than 5 hours/year in simulation-based education. Secondly, the mean compliance to last ILCOR recommendations about neonatal resuscitation was 59 % and a very low compliance (< 30%) was observed for a number of important technical items. Finally, NeoTapAS showed a good accuracy in estimating HR and it could be an important resource for neonatologists in delivery room resuscitation As future perspective, we designed a new simulation-based multi-center research (“Simarrest ”) in collaboration with University of Padua in order to identify gaps about in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest management in a standardized setting.