First-year residents outperform third-year residents after simulation-based education in critical care medicine

INTRODUCTION: Previous research shows that gaps exist in internal medicine residents' critical care knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study was to compare the bedside critical care competency of first-year residents who received a simulation-based educational intervention plus clinical training with third-year residents who received clinical training alone. METHODS: During their first 3 months of residency, a group of first-year residents completed a simulation-based educational intervention. A group of traditionally trained third-year residents who did not receive simulation-based training served as a comparison group. Both groups were evaluated using a 20-item clinical skills assessment at the bedside of a patient receiving mechanical ventilation at the end of their medical intensive care unit rotation. Scores on the skills assessment were compared between groups. RESULTS: Simulator-trained first-year residents (n = 40) scored significantly higher compared with traditionally trained third-year residents (n = 27) on the bedside assessment (91.3% [95% confidence interval, 88.2%-94.3%] vs. 80.9% [95% confidence interval, 76.8%-85.0%]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: First-year residents who completed a simulation-based educational intervention demonstrated higher clinical competency compared with third-year residents who did not undergo simulation training. Critical care competency cannot be assumed after clinical intensive care unit rotations; simulation-based curricula can help ensure residents are proficient to care for critically ill patients.