The use of simulated research rehearsals to address barriers to cardiopulmonary physiology research in the neonatal intensive care unit

Background: Studying the physiology of the extremely premature neonate is critical to understanding the lifelong impact of prematurity, yet there are many barriers to physiologic research in the NICU. We describe the use of simulated research rehearsals to improve clinician understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology research in the NICU, to improve researcher comfort in the NICU and to maximize infant safety. Methods: A novel scenario was developed based on a pre assessment and neonatal nurses’ attitudes regarding research survey data. The simulation focused on performing physiological research on an infant in the NICU. Researchers, physicians, and nurses participated in the scenario using physiological research technology to support moving forward with a future basic research project. Results: Participation in a simulation focused on the integration of physiologic research increased comfort in the NICU and reported recognition of infant stress cues for research scientists (p=0.001, p=0.019) and improved clinician understanding of research technology (p=0.004). NICU nurses reported overwhelming support for research but identified key areas that could be improved with the use of healthcare simulation. Conclusions: We share our experience of using simulation to facilitate partnerships between groups who do not share completely overlapping skill sets. Innovative use of simulation can be an effective means of promoting physiologic research in the neonatal intensive care unit and can fill an important role in optimizing basic and translational research methodologies.