Effectiveness of scenario-based high-fidelity simulation training on management of medical emergencies in dental settings: a theory-based intervention with a long-term follow-up.

objectivesSkills pertaining to management of medical emergencies learned though basic life support courses were reported to decline within a few months. Despite the effectiveness of scenario-based simulation training in managing medical emergencies in dental settings, the long-term stability of the findings remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a theory- and scenario-based high-fidelity simulation training in managing common medical emergencies in dental settings.

methodsA single-day simulation training based on the social cognitive theory was conducted to train senior dental students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in the management of common medical emergencies in dental settings. A refresher review and demonstration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were provided to enhance the students’ behavioral capability (Knowing what and how to perform a certain behavior). In addition, four known approaches for enhancing the self-efficacy (Perceived confidence) were incorporated in designing the medical emergency scenarios to allow students’ learning through: a self-modeling (Learning from own experience), a vicarious modeling (Learning from peers and instructors’ experience), debriefing and feedback, and provoking engagement through detailed and realistic scenarios utilizing high-fidelity simulation to mimic real-life experience. A 13-item self-efficacy and 19-item behavioral capability validated scales were measured at baseline, immediately post-training, and at long-term (9 to 11 months) follow-up; a paired t-test was used for mean comparisons. The effectiveness of training was evaluated by the students for its importance, usefulness, recommendation to others, and possibility of registering in a similar course.

resultsA total of 34 students participated in the training course and 20 of them participated in the long-term follow-up. Statistically significant mean (SD) increased behavioral capability by 4.7 (1.5) points and self-efficacy by 41.4 (8.3) were found immediately post-training. Negligible and non-statistically significant declines in behavioral capability and self-efficacy were found in 9 to 11 months post-training; indicating long-term stability. Students’ assessment of the training course regarding its importance, usefulness, and recommendation ranged from 97.0 to 99.0%.

conclusionsThe high-fidelity simulation training was effective in increasing the behavioral capability and self-efficacy of managing medical emergencies in dental settings and long-term stability was achieved. We recommend tailoring the training on managing medical emergencies to dental settings and utilizing scenarios that mimics real-life experiences to enhance the self-efficacy and behavioral capability in managing medical emergencies.