Training program for pharmacists in pediatric emergencies

A training program for improving the confidence and skills of pharmacists responding to pediatric emergencies is described. Pharmacists at a pediatric teaching hospital were asked to voluntarily participate in a training program in pediatric emergencies. The program consisted of two educational interventions. The first intervention was a 30-minute, self-study, audiovisual, computer-based module incorporating accepted guidelines for pediatric emergency care. The second intervention was participation in an objective structured clinical evaluation designed as two simulated emergency-resuscitation events allowing for experience, feedback, and evaluation in four major areas: time spent performing required tasks, identifying and locating emergency equipment and medications, drug preparation and administration, and recognition of potential complications. The pharmacists' confidence and skills were assessed before and after the program. Nineteen pharmacists participated in the program; more than half of them had had no experience in an actual pediatric emergency during the preceding six months. After the training was completed, confidence levels (assessed by written questionnaire) increased by an average of 14.5%; the increase was significant for four of the five questions. Competency (evaluated by a 20-item examination) increased by an average of 11% (p < 0.001). A training program in pediatric emergencies for pharmacists appeared to increase their confidence and competency for responding to these events.