Effect of scenario-based simulation on students' learning outcomes and satisfaction in perioperative anaphylaxis: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative anaphylaxis is a rare but complex clinical crisis, with outcomes heavily dependent on prompt and effective management by anaesthesiologists. However, evidence supporting the efficacy of scenario-based simulation (SBS) training in perioperative anaphylaxis management remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SBS versus video-based training (VBT) on learning outcomes and satisfaction among undergraduate anaesthesia students. METHODS: In this prospective randomised study, 84 fourth-year anaesthesia undergraduate students from Anhui Medical University were assigned to either SBS or VBT for perioperative anaphylaxis education. Knowledge assessments were conducted before (pretest) and after (post-test) training. Outcomes included post-test scores, student satisfaction (assessed via a 5-point Likert scale) and performance in a simulated clinical scenario 1 week later. Scenario performance was evaluated using a technical checklist and the Anesthesiologists' Non-Technical Skills scoring system. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics (age, sex and pretest scores) were comparable between groups. The post-test scores were higher in the SBS group than those of the VBT group (80.0 (73.7-85.0) vs 70.0 (65.0-75.0), respectively, p<0.001). Both groups improved in post-test scores after training. The SBS group's post-test score increased significantly more than that of the VBT group (39.2% (30.7%-44.6%) vs 16.6% (8.3%-20.0%), respectively, p<0.001). In the simulation scenario test, the SBS group outperformed the VBT group in both technical (33.5 (31.0-36.0) vs 28.0 (26.0-30.0), p<0.001) and non-technical skills (47.5 (44.0-51.0) vs 43.0 (42.0-48.0), p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: SBS demonstrates greater efficacy than VBT in improving anaesthesia students' learning outcomes, including technical and non-technical skills in managing perioperative anaphylaxis, with higher student satisfaction.