title: Simulation-based training in brain death determination.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite straightforward guidelines on brain death determination by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), substantial practice variability exists internationally, between states, and among institutions. We created a simulation-based training course on proper determination based on the AAN practice parameters to address and assess knowledge and practice gaps at our institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our intervention consisted of a didactic course and a simulation exercise, and was bookended by before and after multiple-choice tests. The 40-min didactic course, including a video demonstration, covered all aspects of the brain death examination. Simulation sessions utilized a SimMan 3G manikin and involved a complete examination, including an apnea test. Possible confounders and signs incompatible with brain death were embedded throughout. Facilitators evaluated performance with a 26-point checklist based on the most recent AAN guidelines. A senior neurologist conducted all aspects of the course, including the didactic session, simulation, and debriefing session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety physicians from multiple specialties have participated in the didactic session, 38 of whom have completed the simulation. Pre-test scores were poor (41.4 %), with attendings scoring higher than residents (46.6 vs. 40.4 %, p = 0.07), and neurologists and neurosurgeons significantly outperforming other specialists (53.9 vs. 38.9 %, p = 0.003). Post-test scores (73.3 %) were notably higher than pre-test scores (45.4 %). Participant feedback has been uniformly positive.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Baseline knowledge of brain death determination among providers was low but improved greatly after the course. Our intervention represents an effective model that can be replicated at other institutions to train clinicians in the determination of brain death according to evidence-based guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: MacDougall
authors.forename: Jennifer D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Liana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kappus
authors.forename: Stephanie N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Sudikoff
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Greer
mesh_terms: D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008348:Manikins; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education*; D016544:Patient Simulation