Educational efficacy of high-fidelity simulation in neonatal resuscitation training: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jun Tang,Jing Shi,Dezhi Mu,Tao Xiong,Li Zhang,Hua Wang,Bin Xia,Yi Qu,Jichong Huang,Ying Tang

doi:10.1186/s12909-019-1763-z

Abstract

BackgroundThe training of neonatal resuscitation is an important part in the clinical teaching of neonatology. This study aimed to identify the educational efficacy of high-fidelity simulation compared with no simulation or low-fidelity simulation in neonatal resuscitation training.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and Weipu), ScopeMed and Google Scholar were searched. The last search was updated on April 13, 2019. Studies that reported the role of high-fidelity simulation in neonatal resuscitation training were eligible for inclusion. For the quality evaluation, we used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for non-RCTs. A standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied for the estimation of the pooled effects of RCTs.ResultsFifteen studies (10 RCTs and 5 single arm pre-post studies) were ultimately included. Performance bias existed in all RCTs because participant blinding to the simulator is impossible. The assessment of the risk of bias of single arm pre-post studies showed only one study was of high quality with a low risk of bias whereas four were of low quality with a serious risk of bias. The pooled results of single arm pre-post studies by meta-analysis showed a large benefit with high-fidelity simulation in skill performance (SMD 1.34; 95% CI 0.50–2.18). The meta-analysis of RCTs showed a large benefit in skill performance (SMD 1.63; 95% CI 0.49–2.77) and a moderate benefit in neonatal resuscitation knowledge (SMD 0.69; 95% CI 0.42–0.96) with high-fidelity simulation when compared with traditional training. Additionally, a moderate benefit in skill performance (SMD 0.64; 95% CI 0.06–1.21) and a small benefit was shown in knowledge (SMD 0.39; 95% CI 0.08–0.71) with high-fidelity simulation when compared with low-fidelity simulation.ConclusionsImprovements of efficacy were shown both in resuscitation knowledge and skill performance immediately after training. However, in current studies, the long-time retention of benefits is controversial, and these benefits may not transfer to the real-life situations.

Highlights

The training of neonatal resuscitation is an important part in the clinical teaching of neonatology
The titles and abstracts of the reports were screened by three authors (JS, HW and TX) independently to determine their eligibility according to the following inclusion criteria: (a) studies that investigated the role of high-fidelity simulation in neonatal resuscitation training; (b) the training was followed the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) standard; (c) clinical trial studies; (d) outcomes assessment focusing on individual or team resuscitation performance
The pooled results by meta-analysis showed a large benefit with high-fidelity simulation when compared with traditional training in skill performance (SMD 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–2.77) (Fig. 3) and a moderate benefit in neonatal resuscitation knowledge (SMD 0.69; 95% CI 0.42–0.96) (Fig. 4)

Summary

Introduction

The training of neonatal resuscitation is an important part in the clinical teaching of neonatology. High-fidelity manikins approximate preterm and fullterm neonates in size and weight, but they possess a realistic airway, skin color, pulse and other vital signs, and umbilicus with a life-like pulse that can respond to hypoxic-ischemic events and interventions controlled by integrated computer programs. These advantages provide important cues for students to accurately assess the neonate and allow practice of certain procedures, such as tracheal intubation and insertion of umbilical venous catheters in manikins [6]. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether the method of high-fidelity simulation is effective in neonatal resuscitation training

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Discussion

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