Massive hemoptysis is a rare, high-acuity presentation, which requires the integration of both cognitive and procedural skills. Simulation has been recommended to improve preparation for high-acuity, low-occurrence procedures, however the effect of a simulation curriculum for massive hemoptysis management has never been investigated.
Does simulation for hemoptysis management improve competence?
Kern’s 6 steps for medical education curriculum design were used iteratively to develop a simulation curriculum for the management of massive hemoptysis. Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) fellows from the University of Colorado participated in a local needs assessment and a massive hemoptysis simulation curriculum. Using a manikin-based massive hemoptysis simulator developed for this curriculum, the simulation session used repetitive practice, clinical variation, a range of difficulties and directed feedback in a group practice setting. Time to management and performance were assessed for each management attempt; competence was assessed using a combined metric of management-related priorities and global entrustment.
During the needs assessment, fellows viewed massive hemoptysis management skills as important, while expressing their current confidence as low. Nineteen fellows participated in a ninety-minute case-based hemoptysis simulation during which each was exposed to five different cases and acted as the primary manager for two cases. There was significant improvement in performance from the first to final simulation attempts measured by time to successful management (14.24 vs 10.26 minutes, p=0.0067) and entrustment (Global assessment scale 1 = “should not perform”, 5 = “independent”; 4.11 vs 4.61, p=0.015). Fellow self-assessed knowledge and confidence in hemoptysis management and endobronchial blocker placement improved significantly following the simulation.
Hemoptysis simulation experience improves fellow confidence and skill for management of this high-acuity, low occurrence presentation.

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