Interns' perceptions of performance and confidence in participating in and managing simulated and real cardiac arrest situations

Abstract

This study attempts to describe the effects of a computerized patient simulator education program on interns' perceptions of their own performance and confidence in managing and/or participating in a cardiac arrest incident during simulated and real events. The study design was qualitative using thematic analysis of debriefing sessions and individual interviews. The setting for the research was an education program for interns working at Southern Health, Victoria, Australia utilising a high-fidelity patient simulator. The participants were junior doctors (n = 30) in the first three-month rotation of their first postgraduate year (interns). The results describe the interns' self-reported experiences and perceptions relating to: (1) cardiac arrest experiences prior to the simulation scenario; (2) a simulated cardiac arrest scenario; (3) real-life cardiac arrest experiences after the simulation scenario. The interns expressed perceptions of improved self-confidence in: managing this particular critical situation; their own decision making during a critical incident; their ability to prioritize tasks. They also reported improved awareness and understanding with regards to: the need for leadership and effective teamwork; and the need for effective communication with senior staff during a critical incident. The interns considered that they had improved their ability to effectively handle a cardiac arrest situation as a result of the simulator program. The interns interviewed expressed decreased levels of anxiety and improved confidence in their decision making and their ability to prioritize tasks during a similar real-world situation as a result of the simulator program.