Exploring the Learning Process for Neonatology Fellows of Giving Serious News on a Virtual Platform

Background Since 1998, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has highlighted the importance of teaching palliative care skills, yet neonatology fellows sometimes receive varied and inadequate training on these topics. As this study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when our medical education curriculum was still mostly remote, our aim was to explore how neonatology fellows learned to give serious news with the use of a virtual platform. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore, through qualitative interviews after virtual simulations, the individual learning experiences of giving serious news to a standardized patient (SP). Methods Between January and December 2022, neonatology fellows participated in quarterly two-hour virtual sessions with an SP. At each session, two fellows practiced giving serious news with an SP, and after the session, both fellows were interviewed about their experiences. Analysis of interviews was conducted with a team-based approach using qualitative data analysis software. Results The following four major themes were identified: types of training, role-playing, virtual platform, and lessons learned. Simulation training was found to be beneficial in the learning and practicing of giving serious news. The virtual environment was viewed as a safe learning environment. Approximately half of the participants stated that the virtual learning environment may be more comfortable compared with in-person simulations. Conclusion Online simulation sessions can serve as a safe, valuable, and comfortable platform to teach and practice skills for giving serious news.