Citation

Li J, Kaziny BD, Perron C, Downey D, Monuteaux MC, Chung S. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/dmp.2022.42

PMID

35332862

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe a feasible, multidisciplinary pediatric mass casualty event (MCE) simulation format that was less than 2 h within emergency department space and equipment constraints.

METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of an MCE in situ simulation program from June-October 2019. Participants rotated through 3 modules: (1) triage, (2) caring for a critical patient in an MCE setting, and (3) being in a disaster leadership role. Triage accuracy, knowledge, self-evaluation of preparedness, and MCE skills by means of pre- and post-test surveys were measured. Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test scores and McNemar's matched pair chi-squared test were performed to evaluate for statistically significant differences.

RESULTS: Forty-six physicians (MD), 1 physician's assistant (PA), and 22 nurses participated over 4 simulation d. Among the MD/PA group, there was a statistically significant 7% knowledge increase (95% confidence interval [CI], 3%-11%). Nurses did not show a statistically significant knowledge difference (0.04, 95% CI, 0.04%, 14%). There was a statistically significant increase in triage and resource use preparedness (P < 0.01) for all participants.

CONCLUSION: This efficient, feasible model for a multidisciplinary ED disaster drill provides a multi-modular exposure while improving both MD and PA knowledge and all staff preparedness for MCE.

Language: en

Keywords

pediatric emergency medicine; disaster preparedness; simulation training