Exploring the perceived impact of pediatric simulations and pre-simulation activities in paramedic education: A quantitative post-intervention study

Pediatric emergencies require specialized prehospital care due to children's unique medical needs. This study explored the perceptions of a Middle Eastern Ambulance Service's paramedics regarding the impact of pediatric-related simulation-based activities on their knowledge and confidence. It also evaluated the influence of pre-simulation activities, including online materials, lectures, video-based learning, and skills workstations, on their preparedness for these simulations. This quantitative study involved 225 paramedics who participated in a 1-day pediatric Continuous Professional Development program conducted between January and March 2022. Following the program, participants completed an online post-program survey utilizing the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M). The SET-M results showed strong agreement (>90%) regarding the effectiveness of simulation in enhancing knowledge and confidence (M = 2.9, SD = 0.24-0.32). Participants also strongly agreed (>89.3) that pre-simulation activities improved their preparedness for simulation. Skills workstations received the highest ratings (M = 2.9, SD = 0.26), while video-based learning was slightly lower (M = 2.9, SD = 0.31). The breakdown analysis of two survey statements indicated that, regardless of experience, simulation exposure, or qualifications, participants positively perceived the effectiveness of both simulation scenarios and pre-simulation activities. The study highlights the paramedics' perceived positive impact of simulation on their knowledge and confidence in managing pediatric emergencies, emphasizing the value of pre-simulation activities in enhancing their preparedness for the simulation-based activity. The findings hold practical implications for educators, curriculum designers, and paramedic practitioners in improving pediatric emergency training.