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Objectives The transition between junior and middle grade roles is daunting for many trainees. Performing procedures independently and leading a team in an emergency were particular areas of anxiety identified by the first author when starting ST3 and when returning to work after time out of training. We hypothesise the transition would have been easier with formal procedures training and the opportunity to practice leading paediatric emergencies through simulation. The aim of this project was to first understand whether this need was felt by other trainees. Once training needs were identified, the objective was to set up and run a pilot course with a view to establishing this training into regular practice. Methods A training needs survey was circulated to all paediatric trainees in the region. The responses were used to design a one-day training course. The course was advertised to ST1–3 trainees and trainees returning to work after time out of training. Funding was obtained to cover purchase of a lumbar puncture simulator, room hire and catering. The course was free to attend and booked through Eventbrite. Faculty were recruited from paediatric consultants and ST4–8 trainees. Trainees and faculty completed a post-course survey to feed back on their experiences. Results 56 trainees (approximately 25% of trainees) responded to the training needs survey. 79% agreed there was a need for additional procedures training, and 93% agreed additional simulation training was needed. Trainees responded that training in lumbar puncture (70%), intraosseous cannulation (86%), mid/long line insertion (95%) and airway skills (68%) would be useful or very useful. Umbilical arterial and venous cannulation were also requested. All 24 places were booked and 17 attended. There were 13 faculty present including four consultants. All procedures other than mid/long line insertion were covered. Trainees rotated in small groups through 4 x 50-minute procedure stations and 4 x 25-minute simulation scenarios. 100% of trainees agreed that all stations were useful or very useful. Feedback revealed there was insufficient time in the airway station and the need for additional faculty. Conclusion This course was extremely well received by trainees supporting its continuation as regular training in the region. The next course will expand to include trainees from a neighbouring region but has the potential to be standardised and delivered across the country. Trainees should be encouraged to identify and act on areas of training need which can improve training experience for future paediatricians.
Mitchell et al. (Tue,) studied this question.