Abstract
India's pediatric health care faces challenges, underscoring the need for specialized pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) training tailored to the country's clinical and cultural context. Simulation-based PEM training has gained momentum in India, leveraging hands-on workshops and collaborative learning to enhance emergency medical competencies. This project aimed to develop and implement a 2-day PEM workshop for pediatric and EM trainees and junior faculty in Bangalore, India. The workshop, a collaborative effort between the Ronald Reagan Institute of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University, Aster CMI Emergency Department, and PediStars, was designed to improve participants' competencies and self-efficacy in managing pediatric emergencies. The workshop featured procedural skill stations and collaborative learning experiences, including immersive simulations and an escape room challenge, culminating in a SimOlympics competition. The implementation included 34 participants from Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal, with significant improvements noted in confidence and skill levels. Posttraining, participants rated their confidence in handling pediatric emergencies at 8.1 out of 10, up from 2.8 pretraining. Notable skills such as intraosseous access, intravenous access, bag-valve-mask ventilation, and intubation proficiency showed marked improvement. Follow-up data indicated sustained confidence in managing pediatric emergencies. Feedback highlighted systematic approaches to managing pediatric emergencies gained from the workshop. This initiative relied on international partnerships and local resources and has the potential for replication. Follow-up training is needed for sustained competencies. This workshop serves as a promising model for future simulation-based medical education for PEM training in low- and middle-income countries.