Simulation-based Stress Inoculation Training Study for UK Medical Professionals

This study is to assess for the effectiveness of a Simulation-Based Stress Inoculation Training (SIT) Programme for junior doctors and physicians associates. It was well known that clinical practice can be stressful, particularly resuscitation events. When practitioners are stressed, they become less clinically effective. However, this is little in the way of training on how to manage acute stress in the workplace.

Stress Inoculation Training is established in military and sports training but is yet to be researched fully in junior doctors or physicians associates. By integrating a SIT programme into regular simulation training, the study aims to assess whether it helps with managing stress and performing better resuscitation. This assessment will be via questionnaire, heart rate monitors and judgement of clinical performance.

The study will be open to junior doctors and physicians associates who are currently practicing at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and will take place in the Simulation Suite over a 6 month period.

Results will be prepared for publication and circulated among participants

This study is a randomised control trial design. The study aim is to obtain 40 participants of varied roles, all healthcare professionals at the NHS RCHT. Participants will be asked to sign up to a session run in regular working hours at the RCHT simulation suite. If participants wish to take part in the study, after being consented to the project, they will be randomised to either the intervention arm or control arm.

Best practice/control is as follows

1. 30 minutes of teaching on management of a drowning patient (or similar topic, in order that both control and intervention perceive they have had teaching of the same length as the other group)
2. 1-2 resuscitation simulation events (same scenario and tasks as in the intervention group)

The SIT programme/intervention will involve

1. 30 minute educational phase of preparatory information to allow participants to conceptualise the types of stressors they are likely to face and the role of stress on performance
2. 30 minutes of skills acquisition which will involve teaching participants techniques to reduce stress in simulated resuscitation events
3. Inoculation through the application of acquired skills in 1-2 resuscitation scenarios

All participants will be asked to complete a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire both prior to and immediately after the end of each scenario All participants will have their heart rates monitored throughout the session with timings correlated against stressors and application of stress reduction techniques

All participants will have the same set of scenarios involving the same tasks. Performance at individual tasks (such as cannulation, guide wire fitting, ECG interpretation, ABG interpretation, recalling allergies, noticing equipment failure) and overall performance will be assessed by an independent, blinded assessors according to a pre-determined score scheme using video footage of each scenario

Scenarios will be facilitated by blinded researchers. These facilitators will be members of the simulation team. For the duration of the session, they will be based on the simulation room and not take part in the training modules. They will not be aware if simulation participants are part of the control or intervention group. They will be tasked with running the simulation scenario with consistency across participants.

Data analysis will include using MSExcel to test for statistically significant differences in biomarkers, self-reported scores and independent, blinded assessor scores. All results will be identified by using an anonymous code for each participant which will reference only their job role and whether they are in the intervention or control group\* (badges will be worn by participants for identification).

\*this may have to be done via a code so independent assessors watching the videos do not know

Data, including videos of the simulation session, photocopies of the STAI questionnaire and transcribed heart rate values will be stored anonymously on the RCHT server and not copied across to any personal or other devices. It will only be accessed my primary researchers. Videos will be stored in a separate folder which the independent assessor will have access to and photocopies of their mark schemes will be uploaded to the RCHT server also. All paper forms will be shredded using the hospital's existing system for disposal of confidential waste

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any medical professional (junior doctors or physicians associates) currently working part/full time at RCHT
* A current licence to practice
* Willing to consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anyone taking a medication which modifies heart rate (eg betablockers)
* Unwilling to consent to participate in the study