Development of Pediatric Neurologic Emergency Life Support Course

Anwarul Haque, Fehmina Arif, Qalab Abass, Khalid Ahmed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background Acute neurological emergencies (ANEs) in children are common life-threatening illnesses and are associated with high mortality and severe neurological disability in survivors, if not recognized early and treated appropriately. We describe our experience of teaching a short, novel course "Pediatric Neurologic Emergency Life Support" to pediatricians and trainees in a resource-limited country. Methods This course was conducted at 5 academic hospitals from November 2013 to December 2014. It is a hybrid of pediatric advance life support and emergency neurologic life support. This course is designed to increase knowledge and impart practical training on early recognition and timely appropriate treatment in the first hour of children with ANEs. Neuroresuscitation and neuroprotective strategies are key components of this course to prevent and treat secondary injuries. Four cases of ANEs (status epilepticus, nontraumatic coma, raised intracranial pressure, and severe traumatic brain injury) were taught as a case simulation in a stepped-care, protocolized approach based on best clinical practices with emphasis on key points of managements in the first hour. Results Eleven courses were conducted during the study period. One hundred ninety-six physicians including 19 consultants and 171 residents participated in these courses. The mean (SD) score was 65.15 (13.87%). Seventy percent (132) of participants were passed (passing score > 60%). The overall satisfaction rate was 85%. Conclusions Pediatric Neurologic Emergency Life Support was the first-time delivered educational tool to improve outcome of children with ANEs with good achievement and high satisfaction rate of participants. Large number courses are required for future validation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e114-e117
JournalPediatric Emergency Care
Volume33
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2017

Keywords

  • acute neurological emergencies
  • course
  • neuroresuscitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development of Pediatric Neurologic Emergency Life Support Course'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this