LAUSR

Objectives We sought to determine if general emergency departments (GEDs) were managing pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) correctly and if management could be improved using a multilayered educational initiative. We hypothesized that a multifaceted program of in situ simulation education and formal feedback on actual patient management would improve community GED management of pediatric DKA. Methods This study combined a prospective simulation-based performance evaluation and a retrospective chart review. A community outreach simulation education initiative was developed followed by a formal patient feedback process. Results Fifteen hospitals participated in simulation sessions and the feedback process. All hospitals were scored for readiness to provide care for critically ill pediatric patients using the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Six of the 15 have had a second hospital visit that included a DKA scenario with an average performance score of 60.3%. A total of 158 pediatric patients with DKA were included in the chart review. The GEDs with higher patient volumes provided best practice DKA management more often (63%) than those with lower patient volumes (40%). Participating in a DKA simulated scenario showed a trend toward improved care, with 47.2% before participation and 68.2% after participation (P = 0.091). Participating in the formal feedback process improved best practice management provided to 68.6%. Best practice management was further improved to 70.3% if the GED participated in both a DKA simulation and the feedback process (P = 0.04). Conclusions A multifaceted program of in situ simulation education and formal feedback on patient management can improve community GED management of pediatric patients with DKA.