A presurvey and postsurvey of a web- and simulation-based course of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks for pediatric emergency medicine.
OBJECTIVE
Fracture pain in the pediatric emergency department generally is treated with systemic analgesia using opioids. Fracture pain can alternatively be controlled with ultrasound (U/S)-guided nerve blocks for which only minimal training is available to pediatric emergency medicine physicians. This study evaluated the effects of a Web- and half-day simulation-based U/S course. Outcome measures were physician comfort level with and intention to use U/S-guided nerve blocks in clinical practice.


METHODS
We conducted a presurvey and postsurvey study targeting pediatric emergency medicine physicians. Participants completed a Web-based tutorial and a half-day simulation program. Participants completed survey questionnaires to document their comfort level and intention to use U/S-guided nerve blocks. Questionnaires were completed before, immediately after, and 1 month after course.


RESULTS
Eleven physicians participated in the study. The participants' comfort with and intention to use U/S-guided ulnar and femoral nerve blocks increased immediately after course, but neither increase was sustained 1 month after course. Immediately following the course, participants reported that the course addressed their learning needs (91%) and that they would consider advanced training (91%). One month after course, participants reported that they would partake in refresher courses (82%), particularly if offered once per year (64%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that Web- and simulation-based learning can increase comfort and intention to use U/S-guided nerve blocks and the need for follow-on training. Participants reported that their learning needs were met but that they would need annual refresher courses.
Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. adambretholzmd@gmail.com
Adam
A
Bretholz
Quynh
Q
Doan
Adam
A
Cheng
Gillian
G
Lauder
D000328:Adult; D001955:British Columbia; D002648:Child; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019212:Multimedia; D009407:Nerve Block; D059408:Pain Management; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional