Simulation-based training of internal medicine residents in advanced cardiac life support protocols: a randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
Internal medicine residents must be competent in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for board certification.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to use a medical simulator to assess baseline proficiency in ACLS and determine the impact of an intervention on skill development.


METHODS
This was a randomized trial with wait-list controls. After baseline evaluation in all residents, the intervention group received 4 education sessions using a medical simulator. All residents were then retested. After crossover, the wait-list group received the intervention, and residents were tested again. Performance was assessed by comparison to American Heart Association guidelines for treatment of ACLS conditions with interrater and internal consistency reliability estimates.


RESULTS
Performance improved significantly after simulator training. No improvement was detected as a function of clinical experience alone. The educational program was rated highly.
Wayne
Diane B
DB
Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. dwayne@northwestern.edu
Butter
John
J
Siddall
Viva J
VJ
Fudala
Monica J
MJ
Linquist
Lee A
LA
Feinglass
Joe
J
Wade
Leonard D
LD
McGaghie
William C
WC
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support / Q000193:education*; D000465:Algorithms; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States