Evaluate the student’s learning experience and improve the awareness of non-technical factors that affect performance in an status epilepticus (acute neurological emergency) scenario.

Simulation has become increasingly important in neurology education. However, medical students are limited in their acute neurology experiences due to different reasons, including a short clerkship duration. This status epilepticus simulation was designed to provide a controlled environment where students can apply their knowledge of status epilepticus management and become aware of non-technical factors that affect decision-making.

The status epilepticus simulation was implemented at the University of Florida in 2019. We used a SinMan3G mannequin that can “seize”. Prior to the simulation, students read a status epilepticus review paper. During the pre-simulation briefing the students were told to treat this activity as if this was a real patient seen in the emergency room. The simulation was not graded. The scenario was designed to practice initial ABCs assessment, recognition and treatment algorithm including the use of IV anesthetics/sedation and intubation for refractory status epilepticus. Students were divided in 2 groups of 6-7 students each. The activity lasted 25-30 minutes with 15 minutes extra for debriefing.Pre and post-simulation surveys assessed attitude about status epilepticus management and feedback after the simulation.

73 students participated in the simulation. After the activity, there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of students that felt very confident (6 and 7 on a Likert scale) in creating a differential, diagnostic algorithm and managing a status epilepticus emergency. Closed loop communication and teamwork were mentioned more frequently than medication management as the most important learning points from the simulation.

Simulation can improve student’s confidence in managing an emergent scenario and most importantly highlights the importance of non-technical factors such as communication and teamwork in the management of status epilepticus and other emergencies.