Improving Pediatric Emergency Preparedness via Simulation
Publication Title: Emergency Preparedness Improvement in Pediatric Primary Care Offices: A Simulation-Based Multicenter Study.
Summary
- Question
- This study aimed to address gaps in emergency preparedness and quality of care for pediatric medical emergencies in primary care offices. The researchers evaluated whether a simulation-based, collaborative program with academic medical centers (AMCs) could improve preparedness and care quality in these settings.
- Why it Matters
- Pediatric medical emergencies, though relatively uncommon, can occur in primary care offices and require immediate, skilled intervention. Many offices are underprepared, and staff often feel uncomfortable managing such emergencies. By improving preparedness, this research has the potential to enhance outcomes for children experiencing critical health events. It also provides a model for collaboration between primary care practices and AMCs, potentially benefiting public health and pediatric care standards nationwide.
- Methods
- The study included 21 pediatric primary care offices in urban and suburban areas, partnered with five AMCs. It used a three-phase design: a baseline assessment, a six- to 10-month intervention phase, and a follow-up assessment. Emergency preparedness was evaluated with a checklist based on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. Quality of care was measured through simulated emergency scenarios involving respiratory distress and seizures. Offices received performance feedback and targeted improvement resources.
- Key Findings
- Eighteen offices completed the full study. Preparedness scores improved from 68% to 82%. Simulation performance scores also increased significantly, with respiratory distress scenario scores rising from 50% to 82%, and seizure scenario scores from 42% to 85%. Notable improvements included better equipment usage, faster initiation of oxygen, and enhanced team communication. Offices identified latent safety threats, such as unawareness of medication locations and equipment usage, which were addressed during debriefings.
- Implications
- The findings suggest that simulation-based training, combined with AMC collaboration, can significantly enhance emergency preparedness and care quality in pediatric primary care offices. This approach could help reduce risks during medical emergencies, improving safety and outcomes for children. It also highlights the value of local partnerships and tailored resources in addressing gaps in medical readiness.
- Next Steps
- The researchers plan to expand the program to include virtual simulations, making it accessible to more offices, especially those in rural areas. They also intend to investigate the long-term impact of these interventions and refine the preparedness checklist to prioritize essential items. Further research may explore the real-world outcomes of improved preparedness during actual pediatric emergencies.
- Funding Information
- This research did not receive any external funding. Yale University also provided funding and support for this research.
Full Citation
Yuknis M, Abulebda K, Diaz M, Burns R, Wing R, Brown L, Tay K, Montgomery E, Pearson K, Ennett S, Auerbach M. Emergency Preparedness Improvement in Pediatric Primary Care Offices: A Simulation-Based Multicenter Study. 2026, 157 PMID: 41730305, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2025-071847.
This AI-assisted summary has been reviewed and approved by at least one of the study's authors to ensure it accurately reflects the research.
Authors
Matthew L Yuknis
First AuthorMarc Auerbach, MD, FAAP, MSc
Last AuthorProfessor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and of Emergency Medicine
Other Authors
Research Themes
Keywords
Concepts
- Pediatric primary care office;
- Local academic medical center;
- Quality of care;
- Primary care offices;
- Academic medical center;
- In situ simulation;
- Emergency preparedness;
- Baseline assessment;
- Pediatric emergency preparedness;
- Community emergency departments;
- American Academy;
- Median performance score;
- Follow-up assessment;
- American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines;
- Preparedness scores;
- Preparedness assessment;
- Preparedness improvements;
- Office preparedness;
- Intervention phase;
- Emergency department;
- Care;
- Medical Center;
- Repeated assessments;
- Pediatric guidelines;
- Collaborative approach