Effectiveness of situational simulation and case-based learning in pediatric intern cardiopulmonary resuscitation training: a pilot study

Abstract Background and Objectives pediatric Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical for saving children who experience cardiac arrest, but traditional teaching is often ineffective at improving clinical competence and teamwork. This study evaluates an innovative, understudied model: situational simulation combined with case-based learning (CBL) in CPR training among pediatric intern. Methods This randomized controlled pilot study involved 100 pediatric interns from an academic teaching hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the traditional teaching group or the new teaching model group (i.e., situational simulation with CBL). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded among students participating in the situational simulation with CBL. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. The collected data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis method within the constructivist paradigm. Two researchers independently coded transcripts using NVivo 12.0, identified themes iteratively, and ensured rigour through member checking. Results The situational simulation with CBL approach produced significant improvements in clinical operation scores: hands-on CPR (79.56 ± 6.04 vs. 94.20 ± 4.17) and bag-valve-mask ventilation (81.14 ± 6.33 vs. 93.47 ± 3.57) (P < 0.05). For the qualitative component, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants, and analysis identified 9 core themes grouped into four clusters: “social interactive construction of knowledge,” “contextualized construction of knowledge,” “active construction of knowledge,” and “cultivation of clinical core competencies and professional qualities.” Conclusions The adoption of situational simulation combined with CBL approach can enhance the teaching effectiveness for pediatric interns and improve their overall clinical emergency response capabilities. Consequently, it offers an innovative teaching methodology for CPR training of pediatric interns.