Multidisciplinary simulation-based training in pediatric emergency scenarios: experience over a two-year period

Catarina Franquelim, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal
Joana Bastos, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal
Alexandra Horta, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal
Ana Isabel Antas, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal
Ana Rita Meneses, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal
Miriam Santos, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal
Rita Marques, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal

Introduction and objectives: Pediatric emergencies are rare but critical events requiring a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary team. Multidisciplinary simulation-based training (MST) has been shown to improve team performance, adherence to resusci-tation protocols, and both technical and non-technical skills. This study describes the implementation of MST in a level II Pediatric Emergency Department and the resulting improvements in the service. Methods: From 2022 to 2024, 17 MST sessions were conducted, focusing on cardiac arrest, septic shock, and anaphylaxis. Scenarios were age-specific, involving infants, school-age children, and adolescents. A total of 174 healthcare professionals (77 physicians, 68 nurses, and 29 health-care technicians) participated. Observational data and satisfaction surveys were analyzed. Results: MST reinforced skills such as patient monitoring, intraosseous access, emergency medication prescription, and algorithm adherence. Communication, teamwork, and familiarity with the resuscitation environment improved. Institutional changes followed, including emergency cart reorganization, standardization of documentation, and trainer certification. Satisfaction surveys revealed high acceptance, especially among physicians and nurses. Discussion: MST strengthened pediatric emergency preparedness, team coordina-tion, and clinical decision-making. Despite limitations in objective outcome measures, the perceived benefits support MST as a sustainable strategy. Future training should expand participation and include standardized evaluation tools to assess indi-vidual and team performance improvements.

Keywords: Pediatrics. Emergency medical services. Resuscitation. Simulation training. Pediatric education. Interprofessional relations.