Efficacy of Simulation for Caregivers of Children With a Tracheostomy

This study aimed to show simulation improves confidence and competence in caregivers of children with a tracheostomy and examined the impact on patient emergency department visits and mortality. All participants received standard classroom training. One group also received training using simulation. Confidence at post-test was significantly greater in the simulation group. Correlation between post-test confidence and competency measures was not statistically significant. Mortality in family homes was almost five times higher for children whose caregivers did not participate in simulation. Simulation should be considered an important adjunct when preparing caregivers to respond to tracheostomy emergencies at home.

• Parents who received simulation training on emergency tracheostomy care showed a significantly greater level of confidence at post-test when compared with those who did not.

• The correlation between post-test confidence and competency measures was not statistically significant.

• Emergency department visits increased in the simulation group. These results suggest simulation may make caregivers more sensitive to their child's distress and more likely to use the emergency department than expected.

• Mortality related to tracheostomy emergencies in family homes was nearly 5 times higher for children whose caregivers did not participate in simulation.