Exploring and Addressing Barriers to Multidisciplinary Simulation Training in Paediatrics

Multidisciplinary simulation training is crucial in paediatric education, providing a safe environment to enhance technical and non-technical skills, especially for high-risk, low-frequency events. Despite evidence of improved patient outcomes and reduced errors, widespread implementation faces significant barriers. This review explores current obstacles and strategies to overcome them, aiming to advance paediatric care. Multidisciplinary simulation training demonstrably improves teamwork, communication, and clinical performance in paediatric acute care, leading to reduced medical errors and improved patient outcomes. However, pervasive barriers hinder its integration, including logistical issues (e.g., staff reallocation, coordination), financial constraints, and cultural resistance (e.g., fear of judgment, lack of psychological safety). Organisational challenges like insufficient leadership support and protected time, alongside educational complexities in curriculum design and debriefing, also limit effective implementation. Case studies highlight successful strategies, such as brief in-situ sessions, strong leadership advocacy, and fostering psychologically safe environments. Overcoming these multifaceted barriers requires a concerted effort. Key priorities include securing sustainable funding, integrating simulation into routine workflows, promoting psychological safety, and gaining strong leadership buy-in. Future research should focus on evaluating long-term patient outcomes and developing standardised assessment tools to ensure multidisciplinary simulation training effectively prepares healthcare professionals and improves paediatric patient safety.