AUTHOR=Burckhardt Bjoern B. , Ciplea Agnes Maria , Laven Anna , Ablonczy László , Klingmann Ingrid , Läer Stephanie , Kleine Karl , Dalinghaus Michiel , Đukić Milan , Breur Johannes M. P. J. , van der Meulen Marijke , Swoboda Vanessa , Schwender Holger , Lagler Florian B.
TITLE=Simulation Training to Improve Informed Consent and Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Sampling in Pediatric Trials
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology
VOLUME=11
YEAR=2020
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.603042
DOI=10.3389/fphar.2020.603042
ISSN=1663-9812
ABSTRACT=Background: Pediatric trials to add missing data for evidence-based pharmacotherapy are still scarce. A tailored training concept appears to be a promising tool to cope with critical and complex situations before enrolling the very first patient and subsequently to ensure high-quality study conduct. The aim was to facilitate study success by optimizing the preparedness of the study staff shift.
Method: An interdisciplinary faculty developed a simulation training focusing on the communication within the informed consent procedure and the conduct of the complex pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) sampling within a simulation facility. Scenarios were video-debriefed by an audio-video system and manikins with artificial blood simulating patients were used. The training was evaluated by participants' self-assessment before and during trial recruitment.
Results: The simulation training identified different optimization potentials for improved informed consent process and study conduct. It facilitated the reduction of avoidable errors, especially in the early phase of a clinical study. The knowledge gained through the intervention was used to train the study teams, improve the team composition and optimize the on-ward setting for the FP-7 funded “LENA” project (grant agreement no. 602295). Self-perceived ability to communicate core elements of the trial as well as its correct performance of sample preparation increased significantly (mean, 95% CI, p ≤ 0.0001) from 3 (2.5–3.5) to four points (4.0–4.5), and from 2 (1.5–2.5) to five points (4.0–5.0).
Conclusion: An innovative training concept to optimize the informed consent process and study conduct was successfully developed and enabled high-quality conduct of the pediatric trials as of the very first patient visit.