Christiane Bilodeau
“My research findings can be applied universally and our digital simulator will continually change to adapt to healthcare needs.”
REsuscitation TrAINing (RETAIN) computer model simulator game: An alternative to standard neonatal resuscitation training for labour and delivery personnel
The REsuscitation TrAINing (RETAIN) computer model game is a digital simulator of neonatal resuscitation that can be played by healthcare practitioners to improve their response skills and knowledge. It enables them to learn technical skills (e.g., mask ventilation) while practising non-technical skills (e.g., communication and teamwork).
The objective of my project is to evaluate RETAIN as an alternative approach for teaching neonatal resuscitation to labour and delivery personnel. RETAIN simulates different resuscitation scenarios and allows participants to respond by making choices regarding patient care. The model uses current standards of practice such as equipment, monitors and actions, allowing healthcare practitioners' learning to translate directly into their working environment. To evaluate the RETAIN training compared to standard training, I will collect participants' behavioural and performance data during two simulation sessions: pre- and post-intervention of teaching with the RETAIN computer model.
Performance during these pre- and post-intervention sessions will be evaluated based on participants' behaviours and choices during the simulation and the overall success of the simulated neonatal resuscitation. The comparison of behavioural and performance data to general data of the participants and their assessment of the game will reveal emerging correlations between learning and the participant's background or evaluation of the game. The collected data will confirm that the RETAIN computer model game is an ideal alternative to teaching healthcare practitioners non-technical skills, like decision making, teamwork and communication.
I anticipate that the RETAIN computer model will improve labour and delivery personnel's responses during neonatal resuscitation and that it will be integrated into ongoing education for labour and delivery personnel.
Christiane Bilodeau was supervised by Georg Schmölzer and her summer studentship was funded by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology program.
