Background: Simulation-based education has emerged as an educational approach to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills – particularly in managing high-stakes, low-frequency paediatric emergencies. Aim: This review aims to assess the current state of paediatric literature and evaluate the effectiveness of paediatric simulation-based education in paramedic education. Method: A systematic search of PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, and PubMed identified studies published from 2003 to 2023. Peer-reviewed articles employing simulation-based interventions in prehospital paediatric education were included. Outcomes were categorised using the Kirkpatrick framework. Results: The review included 14 studies, with most focusing on participants' reactions (Level 1) in 3 studies; knowledge acquisition (Level 2) in 11 studies; and workplace behaviour (Level 3) in 4 studies. However, none of the retrieved studies examined the impact of simulation-based education on patient outcomes (Level 4). Conclusion: Simulation has shown promise in improving paramedics' readiness for paediatric emergencies, particularly enhancing their knowledge, skills and confidence. However, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of simulation-based education on paramedics' workplace behaviour and patient care outcomes.
Badawi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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