Training neonatal skills with simulators?

AIM: To compare two different ways of learning (self-study vs. simulation sessions) the adequate steps to resuscitate a neonate in the 5th year undergraduate medical curriculum. METHODS: One hundred and eighty students attending the 5-week paediatrics rotation were enrolled; 115 were invited to participate in this study, but only 45 students completed it. After a 50-min 'neonatal resuscitation' theoretical interactive class, students were randomly assigned into two groups: the first (n = 21) participated in a 30-min supervised self-study session, while the second (n = 24) attended a 30-min neonatal resuscitation session using the Zoe (Gaumard Inc., Miami, FL, USA) simulator. RESULTS: Tests consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions were taken before the theoretical class (pre-theoretical test), before the self-study or simulation session (pre-test) and after this session (post-test). Pre-test and post-test scores were similar in both groups (p = 0.118 and p = 0.263, respectively). CONCLUSION: Simulation-based training of medical students in management of neonatal resuscitation do not led to significant differences on short-term knowledge comparing with traditional method.