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BackgroundAirway management checklists have improved paediatric patient safety in some clinical settings, but consensus on the appropriate components to include on a checklist for paediatric tracheal intubation in the ED is lacking.MethodsA multidisciplinary panel of 14 experts in airway management within and outside of paediatric emergency medicine participated in a modified Delphi approach to develop consensus on the appropriate components for a paediatric airway management checklist for the ED. Panel members reviewed, modified and added to the components from the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children airway safety checklist for paediatric intensive care units using a 9-point appropriateness scale. Components with a median score of 7.0–9.0 and a 25th percentile score ≥7.0 achieved consensus for inclusion. A priori, the modified Delphi method was limited to a maximum of two rounds for consensus on essential components and one additional round for checklist creation.ResultsAll experts participated in both rounds. Consensus was achieved on 22 components. Twelve were original candidate items and 10 were newly suggested or modified items. Consensus components included the following categories: patient assessment and plan (5 items), patient preparation (5 items), pharmacy (2 items), equipment (7 items) and personnel (3 items). The components were formatted into a 17-item clinically usable checklist.ConclusionsUsing the modified Delphi method, consensus was established among airway management experts around essential components for an airway management checklist intended for paediatric tracheal intubation in the ED.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to training programs abruptly stopping in-person learning and redesigning curricula. Trainees had decreased patient contact time and use of telehealth visits became more prominent. Trainee well-being became even more vital with social isolation and fears of infecting loved ones increased. Our study evaluated impacts of COVID-19 on pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship programs, including effects on fellows’ clinical, didactic, and research experiences, and effects on fellows’ well-being. Methods Two surveys were developed using an iterative process, 1 for program leadership and 1 for fellows. Survey questions reflected the objectives of this study. Surveys were distributed a total of 3 times in 2-week intervals. Program directors (PDs) were asked to forward the fellow survey to their fellows. Survey responses were anonymous. Surveys were completed online using Qualtrics software between March 17, 2021 and April 19, 2021. Results PDs had a 56.8% (50/88) response rate, fellows 34.6% (144/416). All PDs reported a decrease in pediatric patient volumes during the height of the pandemic. Most common responses included change in rotations and block schedules, didactics moving to a virtual platform, increased frequency of speakers from outside the institution, fellows being able to participate in COVID-related research, and additional mental health services for providers. PDs and trainees report being required to provide service to COVID patients outside of a pediatric ED, commonly the adult ED and medical intensive care units. Conclusion The impact of COVID-19 on fellowship training remains unclear. Decreases in pediatric patient volumes, canceled electives, taking care of adults, and altering didactics/conferences in accordance to CDC guidelines may have adversely affected training. Future research might assess pandemic-related differences on in-training exam scores or how prepared fellows feel for unsupervised practice.

BackgroundChallenges in emergent airway management in children can affect intubation success. It is unknown if number of endotracheal intubation attempts is associated with rates of adverse events in the paediatric ED setting.ObjectiveWe sought to (1) Identify rates of intubation-related adverse events, (2) Evaluate the association between the number of intubation attempts and adverse events in a paediatric ED, and (3) Determine the effect of videolaryngoscopy on these associations.Design and methodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent endotracheal intubation in a paediatric ED in the USA between January 2004 and December 2018. Data on patient-related, provider-related and procedure-related characteristics were obtained from a quality assurance database and the health record. Our primary outcome was frequency of intubation-related adverse events, categorised as major and minor. The number of intubation attempts was trichotomised to 1, 2, and 3 or greater. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between the number of intubation attempts and odds of adverse events, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.ResultsDuring the study period, 628 patients were intubated in the ED. The overall rate of adverse events was 39%. Hypoxia (19%) was the most common major event and mainstem intubation (15%) the most common minor event. 72% patients were successfully intubated on the first attempt. With two intubation attempts, the adjusted odds of any adverse event were 3.26 (95% CI 2.11 to 5.03) and with ≥3 attempts the odds were 4.59 (95% CI 2.23 to 9.46). Odds similarly increased in analyses of both major and minor adverse events. This association was consistent for both traditional and videolaryngoscopy.ConclusionIncreasing number of endotracheal intubation attempts was associated with higher odds of adverse events. Efforts to optimise first attempt success in children undergoing intubation may mitigate this risk and improve clinical outcomes.

Decisions about who should perform tracheal intubation in academic settings must balance the needs of trainees to develop competency in pediatric intubation with patient safety. Airway protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced opportunities for trainees, representing an opportunity to examine the impact of shifting laryngoscopy responsibilities away from trainees.This observational study combined data from 11 pediatric emergency departments in North America participating in either the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) or a national pediatric emergency medicine airway education collaborative. Sites provided information on airway protocols, patient and procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes. For the pre-pandemic (January 2017 to March 2020) and pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021) periods, we compared tracheal intubation opportunities by laryngoscopist level of training and specialty. We also compared first-attempt success and adverse airway outcomes between the two periods.There were 1129 intubations performed pre-pandemic and 283 during the pandemic. Ten of 11 sites reported a COVID-19 airway protocol-8 specified which clinician performs tracheal intubation and 10 advocated for videolaryngoscopy. Both pediatric residents and pediatric emergency medicine fellows performed proportionally fewer tracheal intubation attempts during the pandemic: 1.1% of all first attempts versus 6.4% pre-pandemic for residents (p 0.01) and 38.4% versus 47.2% pre-pandemic for fellows (p = 0.01). Pediatric emergency medicine fellows had greater decrease in monthly intubation opportunities for patients1 year (incidence rate ratio = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.57) than for older patients (incidence rate ratio = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.99). Neither the rate of first-attempt success nor adverse airway outcomes differed between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.The COVID-19 pandemic led to pediatric institutional changes in airway management protocols and resulted in decreased intubation opportunities for pediatric residents and pediatric emergency medicine fellows, without apparent change in clinical outcomes.

Purpose To evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the imaging utilization patterns for non-COVID-19-related illness in a pediatric emergency department (ED). Methods We retrospectively reviewed radiology reports for ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy studies performed at a pediatric ED in April from 2017 to 2021, excluding studies for respiratory symptoms and trauma. Radiology reports and medical records were reviewed to determine if patients had a positive radiology diagnosis, the type of diagnosis, and whether it required hospital admission. Results from during the pandemic were compared to predicted rates based on pre-pandemic years. Results A total of 2198 imaging studies were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer ED imaging studies were performed compared to predicted. The decrease was greater in April 2020 (RR = 0.56, p

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate both applicant and interviewer satisfaction with the virtual interviewing process for pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship in hopes to improve the fellowship interviewing process. It was proposed that fellowship programs and applicants would prefer virtual interviews over traditional interviews. METHODS A survey developed in collaboration with UT Southwestern PEM fellowship leaders and national PEM leaders was sent to all PEM fellowship applicants and programs at the conclusion of the 2020 interview season and rank list submission. The applicant survey obtained information on ease of virtual interviews and whether applicants felt that they obtained adequate information from virtual interviews to make informed program selections. Program director surveys collected data on thoughts and feelings about virtual interviews and obstacles encountered during the recruitment season. Both surveys asked about costs for interviews and interview type preference. RESULTS A response rate of 49% from applicants and 47% from programs was obtained. Virtual interview days were similar in the amount of time and staff hours used compared with traditional days. Applicants spent less on virtual interviews compared with those who underwent traditional interviews (average $725 vs $4312). Programs received more applications than the prior year and spent less money during the virtual cycle. The majority of the applicants (90%) were comfortable with the virtual interview platform, and most (66%) agreed that virtual interviews provided adequate information to determine program rank. Geography was the number 1 rank determining factor. Programs and applicants preferred a form of in-person interviews. CONCLUSIONS Virtual interviews provide cost savings for both applicants and programs. Despite this, both parties prefer a form of in-person interviews.

To explore the association between video-assisted laryngoscopy (use of a videolaryngoscope regardless of where laryngoscopists direct their gaze), first-attempt success, and adverse airway outcomes.We conducted an observational study using data from 2 airway consortiums that perform prospective surveillance: the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) and a pediatric emergency medicine airway education collaborative. Data collected included patient and procedural characteristics and procedural outcomes. We performed multivariable analyses of the association of video-assisted laryngoscopy with individual patient outcomes and evaluated the association between site-level video-assisted laryngoscopy use and tracheal intubation outcomes.The study cohort included 1,412 tracheal intubation encounters performed from January 2017 to March 2021 across 11 participating sites. Overall, the first-attempt success was 70.0%. Video-assisted laryngoscopy was associated with increased odds of first-attempt success (odds ratio [OR] 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48 to 2.73) and decreased odds of severe adverse airway outcomes (OR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.85) including decreased severe hypoxia (OR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.87). Sites varied substantially in the use of video-assisted laryngoscopy (range from 12.9% to 97.8%), and sites with high use of video-assisted laryngoscopy (80%) experienced increased first-attempt success even after adjusting for individual patient laryngoscope use (OR 2.30; 95% CI, 1.79 to 2.95).Video-assisted laryngoscopy is associated with increased first-attempt success and fewer adverse airway outcomes for patients intubated in the pediatric emergency department. There is wide variability in the use of video-assisted laryngoscopy, and the high use is associated with increased odds of first-attempt success.

BackgroundFirst-pass success (FPS) during intubation is associated with lower morbidity for paediatric patients. Using videolaryngoscopy (VL) recordings, we reviewed technical aspects of intubation, including factors associated with FPS in children.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of intubation attempts performed using video-assisted laryngoscopy in a paediatric ED between January 2014 and December 2018. Data were abstracted from a quality assurance database, the electronic medical record and VL recordings. Our primary outcome was FPS. Intubation practices were analysed using descriptive statistics. Patient and procedural characteristics associated with FPS in univariate testing and clinical factors identified from the literature were included as covariates in a multivariable logistic regression. An exploratory analysis examined the relationship between position of the glottic opening on the video screen and FPS.ResultsIntubation was performed during 237 patient encounters, with 231 using video-assisted laryngoscopy. Data from complete video recordings were available for 129 attempts (59%); an additional 31 (13%) had partial recordings. Overall, 173 (73%) of first attempts were successful. Adjusting for patient age, placing the blade tip into the vallecula adjusted OR ((aOR) 7.2 (95% CI 1.7 to 30.1)) and obtaining a grade 1 or 2a-modified Cormack-Lehane glottic view on the videolaryngoscope screen (aOR 6.1 (95% CI 1.5 to 25.7) relative to grade 2b) were associated with increased FPS in the subset of patients with complete recordings. Exploratory analysis suggested that FPS is highest (81%) and duration is shortest when the glottic opening is located in the second quintile of the video screen.ConclusionsPlacement of the blade tip into the vallecula regardless of blade type, sufficient glottic visualisation and locating the glottic opening within the second quintile of the video screen were associated with FPS using video-assisted laryngoscopy in the paediatric ED.

Background The practice of emergency medicine has become increasingly complex. Constant advances in clinical practice, innovative technologies, patient safety and quality initiatives, and local and national policy changes continue to add to the cognitive load on providers. New and innovative professional development approaches are needed to help providers remain current despite busy and disparate clinician schedules. Methods We used a Web-based, spaced education platform, to distribute questions to faculty and fellows within the Division of Emergency Medicine. Included content was prioritized within four subject areas: clinical practice, quality improvement, division and institution policies, and educational efforts. All questions were scenario-based (clinical or administrative), with multiple-choice responses. The platform provided real-time feedback on correct response, with explanations including integrated learning materials. Invited faculty developed the questions internally using standardized resources followed by peer review. Questions were delivered weekly. Metrics regarding engagement and performance were followed, including an anonymized leaderboard. Participants were also surveyed regarding perceptions of individual questions and the overall initiative. Results Every faculty member (n = 55) and fellow (n = 18) engaged in the program at some point. Ninety-two percent of participants completed all the questions. The overall correct response rate on first attempt was 65%. For the three most challenging questions, first attempt responses were correct 41% of the time, which increased to 90% on repeat testing. Qualitative analysis of survey comments revealed the following themes: enjoying the e-learning approach, the appreciation for the relevance of the content, and the value and quality of the explanations with integrated educational materials. Conclusions We outline the use of a Web-based, spaced education curriculum for ongoing professional development in a large emergency medicine division. This initiative effectively engaged faculty members and trainees and was perceived to be of high value. The intervention successfully utilized the principles of spaced learning, test-enhanced learning, and gaming theory within a flexible and innovative professional development curriculum.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThere are no effective interventions to prevent hospital admissions in infants with bronchiolitis. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against routine bronchodilator use for bronchiolitis. The objective of this study was to characterize trends in and outcomes associated with the use of bronchodilators for bronchiolitis.METHODSThis is a multicenter retrospective study of infants RESULTSA total of 446 696 ED visits of infants with bronchiolitis were included. Bronchodilator use, hospital admissions, and ED return visits decreased between 2010 and 2018 (all P < .001). ICU admissions and invasive and noninvasive ventilation increased over the study period (all P < .001). Hospital-level early bronchodilator use (hospitals with high versus low use) was not associated with differences in patient-level hospital admissions, ICU admissions, ED return visits, noninvasive ventilation, or invasive ventilation (all P > .05).CONCLUSIONSIn a large study of infants at children’s hospitals, bronchodilator therapy decreased significantly from 2010 to 2018. Hospital-level early bronchodilator use was not associated with a reduction in any outcomes. This study supports the current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to limit routine use of bronchodilators in infants with bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVES Evaluation of potential benefits of noninvasive ventilation for bronchiolitis has been precluded in part by the absence of large, adequately powered studies. The objectives of this study were to characterize temporal trends in and associations between the use of noninvasive ventilation in bronchiolitis and two clinical outcomes, invasive ventilation, and cardiac arrest. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING Forty-nine U.S. children's hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System database. PATIENTS Infants under 12 months old who were admitted from the emergency department with bronchiolitis between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Primary outcomes were rates of noninvasive ventilation, invasive ventilation, and cardiac arrest. Trends over time were assessed with univariate logistic regression. In the main analysis, hospital-level multivariable logistic regression evaluated rates of outcomes including invasive ventilation and cardiac arrest among hospitals with high and low utilization of noninvasive ventilation. The study included 147,288 hospitalizations of infants with bronchiolitis. Across the entire study population, noninvasive and invasive ventilation increased between 2010 and 2018 (2.9-8.7%, 2.1-4.0%, respectively; p < 0·001). After adjustment for markers of severity of illness, hospital-level noninvasive ventilation (high vs low utilization) was not associated with differences in invasive ventilation (5.0%, 1.8%, respectively, adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 0·7-4·6) but was associated with increased cardiac arrest (0.36%, 0.02%, respectively, adjusted odds ratio, 25.4; 95% CI, 4.9-131.0). CONCLUSIONS In a large cohort of infants at children's hospitals, noninvasive and invasive ventilation increased significantly from 2010 to 2018. Hospital-level noninvasive ventilation utilization was not associated with a reduction in invasive ventilation but was associated with higher rates of cardiac arrest even after controlling for severity. Noninvasive ventilation in bronchiolitis may incur an unintended higher risk of cardiac arrest, and this requires further investigation.

Objectives The objective was to assess the feasibility of using spaced multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to teach residents during their pediatric emergency department (PED) rotation and determine whether this teaching improves knowledge retention about pediatric rashes. Methods Residents rotating in the PED from four sites were randomized to four groups: pretest and intervention, pretest and no intervention, no pretest and intervention, and no pretest and no intervention. Residents in intervention groups were automatically e-mailed quizlets with two MCQs every other day over 4 weeks (20 questions total) via an automated e-mail service with answers e-mailed 2 days later. Retention of knowledge was assessed 70 days after enrollment with a posttest of 20 unique, content-matched questions. Results Between August 2015 and November 2016, a total 234 residents were enrolled. The completion rate of individual quizlets ranged from 93% on the first and 76% on the 10th quizlet. Sixty-six residents (55%) completed all 10 quizlets. One-hundred seventy-three residents (74%) completed the posttest. There was no difference in posttest scores between residents who received a pretest (61.0% ± 14.5%) and those who did not (64.6% ± 14.0%; mean difference = -3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -8.0 to 0. 6) nor between residents who received the intervention (64.5% ± 13.3%) and those who did not receive the intervention (61.2% ± 15.2%; mean difference = 3.2, 95% CI = -1.1 to 7.5). For those who received a pretest, scores improved from the pretest to the posttest (46.4% vs. 60.1%, respectively; 95% CI = 9.7 to 19.5). Conclusion Providing spaced MCQs every other day to residents rotating through the PED is a feasible teaching tool with a high participation rate. There was no difference in posttest scores regardless of pretest or intervention. Repeated exposure to the same MCQs and an increase in the number of questions sent to residents may increase the impact of this educational strategy.

Starting in 2022, the American Board of Pediatrics will launch the Maintenance of Certification Assessment for Pediatrics: Pediatric Emergency Medicine (MOCA-Peds: PEM) longitudinal assessment, which will provide an at-home alternative to the point-in-time examination. This longitudinal assessment will help engage PEM physicians participating in continuing certification in a more flexible and continuous lifelong, self-directed learning process while still providing a summative assessment of their knowledge. This commentary provides background information on MOCA-Peds and an introduction to MOCA-Peds: PEM and how it gives the PEM physician another option to participate in continuing certification.

BACKGROUND: This study characterizes clinical and educational practices around the use of videolaryngoscopy in pediatric emergency airway management through qualitative exploration. METHODS: This is a descriptive qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews of emergency medicine physicians. Physicians were selected by theoretical sampling from urban, tertiary care pediatric hospitals across the United States until theoretical data saturation was achieved. The study applied a constructivist grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Manual line‐by‐line coding of interview transcripts was used initially, then grouped into categories with constant comparative analysis to generate the final coding scheme organized by themes and subthemes. Finally, memo‐writing and iterative analysis meetings explored relationships between themes and identified an interpretive model. RESULTS: Theoretical saturation was achieved after 10 of the initial 12 interviews. Emerging from the data were six themes that describe the concept of intubation sharing: (1) Videolaryngoscopy encompasses multiple modalities that all provide a shared view and ability to record; (2) Airway experts and systems help realize the full potential of videolaryngoscopy; (3) Videolaryngoscopy can be a clinical, educational, quality assurance and research tool; (4) Some skills required for videolaryngoscopy are unique, while others overlap with direct laryngoscopy; (5) Videolaryngoscopy allows a coaching laryngoscopist to provide real‐time guidance to the primary laryngoscopist from a shared view; (6) Videolaryngoscopy provides an opportunity for post‐intubation coaching and feedback and shared learning from a single experience for the provider community. CONCLUSIONS: Through this multicenter qualitative interview study, we derived the concept of intubation sharing through videolaryngoscopy for real‐time and remote coaching, for both the primary laryngoscopist and the community of emergency medicine providers who intubate.

Fundamental to the practice of pediatric emergency medicine is making timely and accurate diagnoses. However, studies have shown errors in this process are common. A number of factors in the emergency department environment as well as identifiable errant patterns of thinking can contribute to such challenges. Cognitive psychologists have described 2 types of thinking: system 1 (fast) relies primarily on intuition and pattern recognition, whereas system 2 (slow) is more deliberative and analytical. Reviewing how these 2 styles of thinking are applied in clinical practice provides a framework for understanding specific cognitive errors. This article uses illustrative examples to introduce many of these common errors, providing context for how and why they occur. In addition, a practical approach to reducing the risk of such errors is offered.

Airway management is the cornerstone to resuscitation efforts for the majority of critically ill pediatric patients. The etiology of arrest in children is more commonly from a respiratory than a cardiac process, and early and effective airway management can be life-saving. However, only a small proportion of pediatric patients ultimately require advanced airway management. In addition to its rarity, anatomic and physiologic differences in children can further complicate performance of this critical procedure. Familiarity these difference and knowledge of strategies to optimize procedural success are essential for every emergency practitioner. This chapter reviews important clinical pearls and pitfalls in the emergent management of the pediatric airway.

BACKGROUND: Airway management procedures are critical for emergency medicine (EM) physicians, but rarely performed skills in pediatric patients. Worldwide experience with respect to frequency and confidence in performing airway management skills has not been previously described. OBJECTIVES: Our aims were 1) to determine the frequency with which emergency medicine physicians perform airway procedures including: bag-mask ventilation (BMV), endotracheal intubation (ETI), laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, tracheostomy tube change (TTC), and surgical airways, and 2) to investigate predictors of procedural confidence regarding advanced airway management in children. METHODS: A web-based survey of senior emergency physicians was distributed through the six research networks associated with Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN). Senior physician was defined as anyone working without direct supervision at any point in a 24-h cycle. Physicians were queried regarding their most recent clinical experience performing or supervising airway procedures, as well as with hands on practice time or procedural teaching. Reponses were dichotomized to within the last year, or ≥ 1 year. Confidence was assessed using a Likert scale for each procedure, with results for ETI and LMA stratified by age. Response levels were dichotomized to "not confident" or "confident." Multivariate regression models were used to assess relevant associations. RESULTS: 1602 of 2446 (65%) eligible clinicians at 96 PERN sites responded. In the previous year, 1297 (85%) physicians reported having performed bag-mask ventilation, 900 (59%) had performed intubation, 248 (17%) had placed a laryngeal mask airway, 348 (23%) had changed a tracheostomy tube, and 18 (1%) had performed a surgical airway. Of respondents, 13% of physicians reported the opportunity to supervise but not provide ETI, 5% for LMA and 5% for BMV. The percentage of physicians reporting "confidence" in performing each procedure was: BMV (95%) TTC (43%), and surgical airway (16%). Clinician confidence in ETT and LMA varied by patient age. Supervision of an airway procedure was the strongest predictor of procedural confidence across airway procedures. CONCLUSION: BMV and ETI were the most commonly performed pediatric airway procedures by emergency medicine physicians, and surgical airways are very infrequent. Supervising airway procedures may serve to maintain procedural confidence for physicians despite infrequent opportunities as the primary proceduralist.

Introduction Advanced airway management in pediatrics is a rare, high stakes skillset. Developing proficiency in these skills is paramount, albeit challenging. Providers require innovative approaches to address initial training and maintenance of procedural competency. To address this, we developed a multimodality curriculum. Methods Through an interactive problem-based learning session utilizing real intubation videos, hands-on skill stations, and two simulation-based scenarios, participants advanced through educational objectives towards the goal of improving perceived comfort, knowledge, skills, and attitudes in emergency pediatric advanced airway management. Content was developed by integrating varied learning modalities under the learn, see, practice, prove, do, maintain construct. Please note the specialized equipment needed for this curriculum included pediatric airway trainers and a video laryngoscope. Results We have conducted the curriculum in its entirety four times, reaching 131 interdisciplinary participants. Forty-nine physicians of varying training backgrounds and clinical working environments completed postparticipation evaluations. On a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), a significant improvement in perception of comfort with managing the emergent pediatric airway was noted (2.7 to 4.6, p < .0001). Further, 94% of participants reported they strongly agreed (71%) or agreed (23%) that each station added to their perceived knowledge, skills, and attitudes of pediatric airway management. Discussion After participating in our curriculum, participants self-reported improved comfort in managing the emergent pediatric airway. This curriculum provides educators with resources to navigate the paradigm of obtaining and maintaining competency of a rare but critical skillset.

Humor can serve as a potent social bond, offering an easy shortcut for positive interaction in the context of fast-paced medical encounters. However, humor in clinical environments can also be wielded as a means of distancing or alienating others, often to promote the assumed superiority of the individual or group weaponizing the humor. This article explores the role of humor in promoting and potentially mitigating tribalism in medicine.

Children rarely experience critical illness, resulting in low exposure of emergency physicians (EPs) to critical procedures. Our primary objective was to describe senior EP confidence, most recent performance, and/or supervision of critical nonairway procedures. Secondary objectives were to compare responses between those who work exclusively in PEM and those who do not and to determine whether confidence changed for selected procedures according to increasing patient age.Survey of senior EPs working in 96 emergency departments (EDs) affiliated with the Pediatric Emergency Research Networks. Questions assessed training, performance, supervision, and confidence in 11 nonairway critical procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), vascular access, chest decompression, and cardiac procedures.Of 2446 physicians, 1503 (61%) responded to the survey. Within the previous year, only CPR and insertion of an intraosseous needle had been performed by at least 50% of respondents: over 20% had performed defibrillation/direct current cardioversion. More than 50% of respondents had never performed or supervised ED thoracotomy, pericardiocentesis, venous cutdown, or transcutaneous pacing. Self-reported confidence was high for all patient age groups for CPR, needle thoracocentesis, tube thoracostomy, intraosseous needle insertion, and defibrillation/DC cardioversion. Confidence levels increased with increasing patient age for central venous and arterial line insertion. Respondents working exclusively in PEM were more likely to report being at least somewhat confident in defibrillation/DC cardioversion, intraosseous needle insertion, and central venous line insertion in particular age groups; however, they were less likely to be at least somewhat confident in ED thoracotomy and transcutaneous pacing.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intraosseous needle insertion were the only critical nonairway procedures performed by at least half of EPs within the previous year. Confidence was higher for these procedures, and needle and tube thoracostomy. These data may inform the development of continuing medical education activities to maintain pediatric procedural skills for emergency physicians.

Endotracheal intubation may be required for the transport of critically ill neonates and children. Data suggest that first pass success (FPS) is associated with lower rates of complications. Thus, understanding factors associated with FPS can have important implications for clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the impact of videolaryngoscopy (VL) on FPS by a pediatric critical care transport team (CCTT).

ObjectiveTo describe senior paediatric emergency clinician perspectives on the optimal frequency of and preferred modalities for practising critical paediatric procedures.MethodsMulticentre multicountry cross-sectional survey of senior paediatric emergency clinicians working in 96 EDs affiliated with the Pediatric Emergency Research Network.Results1332/2446 (54%) clinicians provided information on suggested frequency of practice and preferred learning modalities for 18 critical procedures. Yearly practice was recommended for six procedures (bag valve mask ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask airway insertion, defibrillation/direct current (DC) cardioversion and intraosseous needle insertion) by at least 80% of respondents. 16 procedures were recommended for yearly practice by at least 50% of respondents. Two procedures (venous cutdown and ED thoracotomy) had yearly practice recommended by ConclusionsPaediatric ED clinicians suggest that most paediatric critical procedures should be practised at least annually. The preferred learning modality depends on the skill practised; alternative clinical settings are thought to be most useful for standard airway manoeuvres, while simulation-based experiential learning is applicable for most other procedures.

Objectives Incision and drainage (I&D) of skin abscesses is an important procedural skill for pediatric emergency medicine providers. Practical skills training using simulation provides an opportunity to learn and gain confidence with this invasive procedure. Our objective was to assess the perceived educational value of 2 versions of an abscess model as part of an educational workshop for teaching I&D. Methods A combined didactic and practical skills workshop was developed for use at 2 national conferences. The didactic content was created through an iterative process. To facilitate hands-on training, 2 versions of an abscess model were created: 1 constructed from a negative mold and the other using a 3-dimensional printer. Participants were surveyed regarding prior experience with I&D, procedural confidence, and perceptions of the educational utility of the models. Results Seventy physicians and 75 nurse practitioners participated in the study. Procedural confidence improved after training using each version of the model, with the greatest improvements noted among novice learners. Ninety-four percent of physicians, and 99% of nurse practitioners rated the respective models as either "educational" or "very educational," and 97% and 100%, respectively, would recommend the abscess models to others. Conclusions A combined didactic and practical skills educational workshop using novel abscess models was effective at improving learners' confidence. Our novel models provide an effective strategy for teaching procedural skills such as I&D and demonstrate a novel use of 3-dimensional printers in medical education. Further study is needed to determine if these educational gains translate into improvement in clinical performance or patient outcomes.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication that may occur after drainage of pneumothorax or pleural effusion. A number of factors have been identified that increase the risk of developing reexpansion pulmonary edema, and pathophysiologic mechanisms have been postulated. Patients may present with radiographic findings alone or may have signs or symptoms that prompt evaluation and diagnosis. Clinical presentations range from mild cough to respiratory failure and hemodynamic compromise. Treatment strategies are supportive, and should be tailored to match the severity of the condition.

Objective Emergency department (ED) providers require competency in responding to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) events. The optimal strategies to teach HAZMAT response principles to ED providers and to ensure skill retention are not known. Our aim was to design, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted, interprofessional educational curriculum for pediatric ED staff to improve their skills, knowledge, and confidence in responding to a HAZMAT event. Methods In this longitudinal cohort study, we created and assessed a 3-hour educational curriculum comprised of didactics, skills stations, a tabletop exercise, and a simulated multivictim disaster. Learning objectives included critical aspects of pediatric HAZMAT incident response with an emphasis on donning personal protective equipment (PPE). The primary outcome was the number of HAZMAT PPE donning steps correctly completed within 10 minutes at pre- and postcurriculum assessments measured using a 32-item checklist. Secondary outcomes included skill retention at 3 months, change in knowledge assessed using multiple-choice questions, and change in participant confidence. Results Eighty-one of 84 participants (96%) completed the entire curriculum. Compared to the precurriculum assessment, participants completed more donning steps correctly after the intervention (mean increase = 58%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 48%-70%). Relative to the baseline, more steps were also correctly completed at 3 months (mean increase = 49%, 95% CI = 38%-61%). Performance on multiple-choice knowledge questions and confidence in skills also significantly increased from the pre- to postcurriculum assessments. Conclusions A newly developed HAZMAT educational curriculum improved skills-based performance, knowledge, and confidence in PPE and decontamination skills. Brief, multifaceted educational interventions for ED staff can effectively develop sustainable skills needed for uncommon emergency events.

In this article, we describe the development and assessment of a 2-year longitudinal quality improvement (QI) and patient safety curriculum that matches didactic education with experiential learning in a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship. The curriculum includes the development of a comprehensive didactic series and an improvement project identified, designed, and implemented by the fellows. The curriculum was assessed through a questionnaire administered before and after participation in the curriculum, along with an evaluation of the clinical impact of the completed project and assessment of a scholarly product. There was an increase in comfort with QI tools including run and control charts and in familiarity with differences between QI and traditional clinical research after completion of the QI curriculum. Fellows agreed that QI would be beneficial to their careers and felt that they were more likely to be involved in a future QI project. The fellow-derived project was integrated into QI efforts within the emergency department and results showed improvement in process outcomes. In summary, a longitudinal QI curriculum combining didactic and project-based learning in a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship was successful in increasing fellow comfort with QI tools and led to a successfully implemented collaborative improvement project.

Opportunities to learn advanced airway management skills on pediatric patients in the emergency department are limited. Current strategies have focused largely on traditional didactics coupled with procedural skills training using simulation. However, these approaches are limited in their exposure to anatomic variation and realism. Here, we describe the development and assessment of an advanced airway curriculum that integrates videolaryngoscopic recordings obtained during actual patient intubations into a series of interactive educational sessions. Trainees and attending physicians were surveyed anonymously to assess the impact of participation in the curriculum. A mixed methods approach to statistical analysis was used. Rating questions were used to evaluate the relative impact of this approach over other traditional strategies and recurrent themes within open-ended questions were identified. Participants reported this to be a highly effective means of learning about pediatric laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation and regarded it more highly than other traditional educational approaches. Identified benefits included repetitive exposure, approaches to laryngoscopy, the realism of teaching using real and varied anatomy, and the opportunities to identify and troubleshoot difficulty in a learning environment. An advanced pediatric airway curriculum that integrates intubation videos obtained during videolaryngoscopy was highly regarded by pediatric emergency medicine providers. Content emphasis can be shifted to meet the needs of pediatric emergency medicine providers with all levels of skill and experience.

Airway management is the cornerstone to resuscitation efforts for many critically ill pediatric patients presenting for emergency care. Pediatric endotracheal intubation is uncommon in emergency medicine, making it challenging to maintain comfort with this critical procedure. This article offers strategies to facilitate pediatric airway management by addressing predictable anatomic and physiologic differences in children. Also reviewed are alternative approaches to airway management (eg, noninvasive ventilation and videolaryngoscopy) that might be used in cases of recognized difficult airways. Finally, recommendations for maintaining procedural skills in providers who may have limited clinical exposure to critically ill children requiring airway interventions are provided.

Background: A nationwide needs assessment survey identified suboptimal knowledge of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) among pediatric endocrinology fellows. Objectives: We developed and assessed the impact of an online, spaced education curriculum- Technology Knowledge Optimization in type 1 diabetes (TeKnO T1D)- on fellows’ knowledge of these technologies. Methods: Endocrine fellows nationwide were invited to participate in this ongoing prospective, randomized cross over study. The pretest assessment included 20 multiple choice questions. A commercially available electronic spaced education platform (QStream) was used to deliver the material. The posttest assessment was identical and also included two questions assessing reactions to the curriculum. A linear multivariable regression was used to compare the deltas (pre-post) between the two groups adjusted for fellowship year and other covariates. Results: Sixty-one fellows completed the pretest assessment. To date, 21 (68%) and 18 (60%) fellows have completed the pump and CGM curricula, respectively. Fellows who received the pump curriculum had a 41% greater mean improvement on the posttest questions focused on insulin pumps as compared to the fellow who completed the CGM curriculum (95% CI, 1.05, 1.88). Fellows who completed the CGM curriculum had a 70% greater mean improvement on the post-test questions focused on CGMs as compared to fellows who completed the pump curriculum (95% CI, 1.22, 1.37). The greatest improvements were seen in the following topics: interpretation of CGM trend arrows, pump management during exercise, managing pump disconnections, and unique features of different CGM systems. 97% of fellows agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed TeKnO T1D. Conclusion: TeKnO T1D is an effective, enjoyable way to improve T1D technology knowledge across a large group of geographically dispersed fellows. This learning modality may also have applications for other healthcare professionals as well as patients and families. Disclosure B. Marks: None. G. Waldman: None. D.E. Stafford: None. K. Garvey: None. J. Nagler: None. J.I. Wolfsdorf: Other Relationship; Self; UpToDate, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Funding Pediatric Endocrine Society; Boston Children's Hospital

Objectives The objective was to compare video-assisted laryngoscopy (VAL) to direct laryngoscopy (DL) on success rate and complication rate of intubations performed in a pediatric emergency department (ED). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of attempted intubations of children aged 0–18 years in a pediatric ED between 2004 and 2014 with first attempt by an ED provider. In VAL, the laryngoscopist attempts direct visualization of the glottis with a C-MAC video laryngoscope while the video monitor is used for real-time guidance by a supervisor, back-up visualization for the laryngoscopist should the direct view be inadequate, and confirmation of endotracheal tube passage through the vocal cords. We performed univariate comparisons of intubations using DL to intubations using VAL on rates of first-pass success, complications, and whether the patient was successfully intubated by an ED provider. We then created a logistic regression model to adjust for provider experience level, difficult airway characteristics, and indications for intubation to compare intubations using DL to intubations using VAL for each outcome. Results We identified 452 endotracheal intubations of 422 unique patients, of which 445 intubations had a first attempt by an ED provider. Six intubations were excluded due to insufficient information available in the record. Of the included intubations, 240 (55%) were attempted with DL and 199 (45%) with VAL. The overall first-pass success rate was 71% in the DL group and 72% in the VAL group. After adjustment for covariates, the first-pass success rate was similar between laryngoscopy approaches (adjusted odds ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 0.78 to 1.94). Conclusions We found no difference between DL and VAL with regard to first-pass intubation success rate, complication rate, or rate of successful intubation by ED providers for children undergoing intubation in a pediatric ED.

This article is the third in a 7-part series that aims to comprehensively describe the current state and future directions of pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training from the essential requirements to considerations for successfully administering and managing a program to the careers that may be anticipated upon program completion. This article focuses on the clinical aspects of fellowship training including the impact of the clinical environment, modalities for teaching and evaluation, and threats and opportunities in clinical education.

This article is the second in a 7-part series that aims to comprehensively describe the current state and future directions of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship training from the essential requirements to considerations for successfully administering and managing a program to the careers that may be anticipated upon program completion. This article describes the development of PEM entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and the relationship of these EPAs with existing taxonomies of assessment and learning within PEM fellowship. It summarizes the field in concepts that can be taught and assessed, packaging the PEM subspecialty into EPAs.

Background and Objective Supervisors’ decisions regarding procedural readiness are influenced by resident confidence. Confidence is a valuable metric if we understand how it correlates with trainee characteristics and procedural competence. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between self-reported confidence in endotracheal intubation (ETI) and pediatric interns’ characteristics (gender, prior intubation experience) and performance (airway management knowledge, demonstrated skills on airway trainers). Methods This was a secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled trial of an airway management curriculum. Gender and prior intubation experience were reported on a preparticipation questionnaire. Interns’ performance was measured 1) using a 14-item knowledge-based assessment of airway management and 2) as time to successful intubation across 4 simulated intubation scenarios. After completing the curriculum and assessment, interns reported retrospective precurriculum and current postcurriculum confidence with ETI using a 10-point Likert scale. Results Forty-nine interns participated, of whom 16 (33%) were male. Eleven (22%) had ≥1 previous successful intubation. Median [interquartile range] pre- and postcurriculum confidence scores were 3 [2, 5] and 6 [5, 8], respectively. Male interns reported higher precurriculum confidence than females (median difference: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.1, 3.9); postcurriculum confidence among males was also higher but not statistically significant. There was no correlation between self-reported precurriculum confidence and prior experience. There was no correlation between pre- or postcurriculum self-reported confidence and performance on the knowledge-based assessment or time to successful intubation on airway trainers. Conclusions Male pediatric interns self-report higher initial confidence in ETI compared to females. Self-reported confidence did not correlate with prior experience, airway management knowledge, or intubation performance on airway trainers.

First-pass success rates during intubation of infants in the emergency department have been shown to be low. Video laryngoscopy is being increasingly used during advanced airway management in the emergency department, but available data have not supported improved outcomes with use in pediatrics. The newly available Macintosh size 0 (curved) blade for the C-MAC video laryngoscope offers a narrower blade for use in infants. We describe the use of the new C-MAC Macintosh 0 blade for intubation of 2 infants with apnea secondary to respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. The included video recording demonstrates the favorable glottic view and improved maneuverability offered by the narrower blade but also highlights the limitation in use beyond young infants given the short blade length.

Purpose Pediatric advanced airway management is a low-frequency but critical procedure, making it challenging for trainees to learn. This study examined the impact of a curriculum integrating prerecorded videos of patient endotracheal intubations on performance related to simulated pediatric intubation. Method The authors conducted a randomized controlled educational trial for pediatric residents between January 2015 and June 2016 at Boston Children's Hospital. Investigators collecting data were blinded to the intervention. The control group received a standard didactic curriculum including still images, followed by simulation on airway trainers. The intervention group received a video-enhanced didactic curriculum including deidentified intubation clips recorded using a videolaryngoscope, followed by simulation. The study assessed intubation skills on simulated infant and pediatric airway scenarios of varying difficulty immediately after instruction and at three months. Results Forty-nine trainees completed the curriculum: 23 received the video-enhanced curriculum and 26 received the standard curriculum. Median time to successful intubation was 18.5 and 22 seconds in the video-enhanced and standard groups, respectively. Controlling for mannequin age and difficulty, residents receiving the video-enhanced curriculum successfully intubated faster (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.65 [1.25, 2.19]). Video-enhanced curriculum participants also demonstrated decreased odds of requiring multiple attempts and of esophageal intubation. At three-month follow-up, residents who received the video-enhanced curriculum remained faster at intubation (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.93 [1.23, 3.02]). Conclusions Integrating videos of patient intubations into an airway management curriculum improved participating pediatric residents' intubation performance on airway trainers with sustained improvement at three months.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal endotracheal intubation is an ACGME requirement in pediatric residency, and training in non-neonatal intubation is encouraged. Available data suggest that pediatric residents complete training without becoming competent in endotracheal intubation. With limited clinical opportunities for trainees to perform intubation, innovative strategies for instruction are needed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a novel curriculum integrating recordings of patient intubations obtained with a videolaryngoscope on pediatric trainees’ intubation performance as measured in a simulated environment. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, randomized controlled educational intervention trial for pediatric interns between January …