This document outlines a project presentation on improving decision-making processes in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma using cognitive task analysis (CTA). It highlights the challenges in pediatric trauma education and proposes a qualitative study that involves interviewing experts to create an algorithm for teaching through simulation. The overall goal is to enhance clinical decision-making skills among healthcare providers in trauma situations.

1. ALERT Presentation (New Project):
Using Cognitive Task Analysis to
Understand the Decision-Making Process
for Pediatric Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Tania Ahluwalia, Serkan Toy & Chris Kennedy
Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City
INSPIRE @ IMSH 2017 – Orlando, FL, USA
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education

2. • Injury is a leading cause of death for
children
• Trauma is not a single disease but a
complex array of responses to injury
• Critical trauma care requires rapid
decision making
– Correct decision making requires practice
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Background

3. • Challenges in pediatric trauma education
– Duty hour restrictions for trainees
– Limited high acuity patients on the job
– Lack of focus on children in trauma courses
• Providers need training focused on
improving decision-making skills
– Simulation is effective for the team
– How can we train individuals?
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Background

4. • Cognitive task analysis (CTA) is a way to
dissect a task or skill into critical steps by
identifying associated cognitive decisions
• Concepts that characterize expert
performance can be scripted for teaching
and learning by non-experts
• Recent surgical studies ex. line
placement, vaginal hysterectomies
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Background

5. • What is the the clinical decision-making
process of pediatric management for
blunt abdominal injury using cognitive
task analysis?
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Research Question

6. • Single site qualitative study
• Interview experts from Pediatric
Emergency Medicine and Pediatric
Trauma Surgery
• Use CTA to outline clinical decisions
• Create an algorithm to be used as a tool
for teaching through simulation and/or
serious video games
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Approach / Design

7. International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Timeline
IRB Exempt
July 2016
Grant Proposal Accepted
July 2016
Data Collection
August-October 2016
Abstract Presentation
January 2017
Manuscript Preparation
June 2017

8. 1. Who should be included as an external
expert? Should we expand the design
to include national or international
experts?
2. What are suggested ways to build
consensus?
3. How can we improve the algorithm?
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
3 Questions to Improve Study

9. At INSPIRE @ IMSH 2017:
Network with providers to improve our
algorithm for management of pediatric
blunt abdominal trauma
In 2 months: Complete data analysis
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Goals to Accomplish

10. Name: Tania Ahluwalia
Institution: Children’s Mercy Kansas City
E-mail, Phone: tahluwalia@cmh.edu, 480-
478-5144
Website / QR Code: N/A
International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education
Contact Information