Perspectives on Simulation-Based Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team Education: Qualitative Analysis of Interviews With Transport Program Leaders in the ImPACTS Transport Simulation Study

Objective: Pediatric critical care transport (PCCT) teams are expected to manage a wide spectrum of pediatric high-acuity conditions. PCCT program leaders may have unique insights into transport team training, including opportunities, experiences, and barriers. The purpose of this study was to understand how PCCT program leaders perceived the role of simulation in PCCT team education. Methods: PCCT medical directors or administrators from 12 ImPACTS (Improving Pediatric Acute Care Through Simulation) sites were recruited to participate in a 30-minute interview with trained facilitators. A semistructured 7-question interview guide on the barriers, supports, and opportunities presented by transport simulations was used. Interviews were digitally recorded, and transcripts were organized using Dedoose qualitative software. A grounded theory approach was used to identify themes. Results: A total of 11 interviews were conducted with 5 PCCT medical directors (45%) and 6 administrators/clinical managers (54%) from 11 participating ImPACTS health facilities. Themes on participant experience with simulation, simulation feeling real, value of simulation, planning simulations, and logistical challenges were identified. Conclusion: In general, although PCCT program leaders acknowledge logistical difficulties with planning simulations, they feel that transport simulations, particularly conducted in situ in a transport vehicle, are a helpful educational tool for PCCT teams.