PoEM_Article_138

Title
Volume
Numero
Year
Article Type
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Corr. Author	First LastName
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Date of Submission (10 Feb. 2026)
Date of Revision (10 March., 10 Apr. 2026)
Date of Acceptation (10 Aug. 2026)
DOI (10.26738/poem.v3i1.58
Complete citation

Vol. 4 No. 2 2026

Abstract

Background

Paramedics face unique challenges when managing paediatric emergencies due to limited clinical exposure, insufficient training, the unpredictable prehospital environment, and scarce
resources [1]. These factors increase anxiety and medical error risk, especially during rare, high-stakes events [2]. Simulation-based education (SBE) provides a safe, controlled environment that bridges the gap between knowledge and practice by allowing learners to rehearse decision-making and technical skills.

Aim

This review assesses the current state of paediatric simulation literature, evaluates the effectiveness of SBE in paramedic training using the Kirkpatrick evaluation framework, and identifies directions for future research.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, and Scopus for studies published between 2003 and 2023, using keywords and MeSH terms related to paramedics, prehospital care, paediatrics, and simulation. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Studies were categorised according to the four
Kirkpatrick levels.

Findings

A total of 227 articles were identified, and upon removing duplicates, 184 were screened, and 60 were assessed for eligibility, following which 46 were excluded. In the remaining 14 studies, the use of SBE was generally reported to have had a positive impact on paramedics’ confidence and competence in performing several procedures (Table 1). Several studies reported that paramedics often felt uncomfortable providing care to children, made fewer errors, and wished they had more such training opportunities. No studies reported on how the training interventions contributed to improving actual patient care to fulfil the criteria of Kirkpatrick level 4. The full details of the findings have recently been reported [3].

Conclusion

Simulation shows promise in improving paramedics' readiness for paediatric emergencies, especially knowledge, skills, and confidence. Future studies should use longitudinal designs to determine whether simulation training improves patient safety and
clinical outcomes.

Keywords

Simulation, Paediatrics, Pre-hospital, Paramedic,
Emergency Medical Service

Authors’ details

1. Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar

2. Independent Education Consultant, Doha, Qatar

3. Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, Doha, Qatar

4. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar

5. School of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK

6. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Author contributions

All authors contributed equally and validated the final version of record.

Acknowledgements

This work was primarily conducted by the first author as part of his Master in Medical Education with Dundee University, Scotland

Declarations

Conflicts Of Interests

The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Registration

No registration applicable.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval for this study was not required.

References

1. Yuknis ML, Weinstein E, Maxey H, Price L, Vaughn SX, Arkins T, et al. Frequency of pediatric emergencies in ambulatory practices. Pediatrics. 2018;142(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-3082

2. Der Sahakian G, Buléon C, Alinier G. Chapter 14 – Educational Foundations of Instructional Design Applied to Simulation-Based Education. In: Chiniara G, editor. Clinical Simulation (Second Edition). Academic Press. 2019:185–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815657-5.00014-0

3. Al Badawi AK, Alinier G, Nashwan AJ, Kunjavara J, Tomeh B. Effectiveness of paediatric simulation in paramedic education: a literature review. International Paramedic Practice. 2025 Aug 2;15(2):43–51. https://doi.org/10.12968/ippr.2025.0001

Copyright: This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

How to cite this paper? Al Badawi AK, Tomeh B, Alinier N, Alinier G. Literature review of the use of simulation for the training of paramedics in relation to caring for pediatric patients. Panorama of Emergency Medicine. 2026,4(2) https://doi.org/ 10.26738/poem.v4i2.6

Panorama of Emergency Medicine

Corresponding Author

Anan K Al Badawi

(Itqan, Hamad Medical Corporation,

Doha, Qatar)

Aalbadawi1@hamad.qa

A complete list of the Authors'Affiliations
is available at the end of the article.

Submitted: 10 Sep 2025

Accepted: 13 Jan 2026

Published by New Health Concept

panoramaoem.cloud

TABLE 1 - Retrieved Studies Pertaining to Paramedic Simulation-Based Education in Relation to Pediatric Patient Care Classified According to the Kirkpatrick Framework [2]
	Study Focus – Findings Summary	Number of Studies
Kirpatrick Level 1	Participants’ reaction: High rating of simulation-based courses, wish for more regular and improved pediatric training opportunities using highly realistic simulation, appreciation for interprofessional collaboration. Perceived improved comfort in performing specific airway management procedures, such as needle cricothyrotomy.	3
Kirpatrick Level 2	Knowledge acquisition: Increased knowledge assessment scores and higher reported level of confidence in treating pediatric patients, and improved triage assessment accuracy skills.	11
Kirpatrick Level 3	Behavioural changes: Observed better adherence to specific protocols, enhanced skills in laryngeal mask airway insertion, improved teamwork and management of pediatric emergencies, and a reduction in errors.	4
Kirpatrick Level 4	Benefits for patients: No study designed to evidence this level of impact.	0