Familiarity with the clinical environment, achieved by priming, improves time to antibiotic administration in a simulated paediatric sepsis scenario: a randomised control trial

AimThe early administration of antibiotics in sepsis reduces mortality and improves outcomes. This randomised control trial evaluated the effect of environmental priming (EP) on healthcare student performance in a simulated paediatric sepsis scenario.MethodsMedical and nursing students were randomised into primed and unprimed groups. Primed groups received both direct and virtual priming. Each group completed a standardised simulated sepsis scenario. Time to achieve five key clinical interventions was recorded. Mini focus groups were conducted to explore perceptions of EP.ResultsThere were 26 primed and 26 unprimed groups. The primed students were quicker to complete all five interventions and statistically significantly quicker to achieving intravenous (IV) access (median 350 s vs 373 s, p=0.02), administering IV antibiotics (median 648 s vs 760 s, p=0.045) and seeking senior help (median 703 s vs 780 s, p=0.02). Primed students did not feel that they had gained any specific advantage from being primed.ConclusionsEP can improve clinical performance. Implications for practice include incorporating EP of key clinical areas into local induction, standardisation of resuscitation areas and regular use of in situ simulation.