Leadership Characteristics Evaluated in a Pediatric Simulated Resuscitation Scenario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Publication Title

Critical Care Medicine

Volume

46

Issue

1

First page number:

148

Last page number:

148

Abstract

Learning Objectives: Leadership skills are a fundamental part of training in American Heart Association (AHA) courses. Leadership is the process in which an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal; leaders have different leadership styles and these styles are made up of variety of leadership characteristics. For example one style of leadership is transformational which is made up of the following characteristics: charismatic, stimulating, considerate, inclusive and proactive. To effectively teach leadership skills we need to consider what styles are most effective in medical teams which have not been well studied. Our objective is to identify characteristics associated with effective leaders in resuscitation scenarios (RS) as evaluated by a group of health care providers. Methods: Two RS were videotaped using a high-fidelity manikin and actors. The scenarios were scripted to adhere to the Pediatric Advance Life Support checklist performance representing an effective RS. The 2 simulations differed only by the gender of the leader. Through a survey, participants (medical students, pediatric trainees, nurses and attendings) were able to review the RS followed by a list of leadership characteristics from a variety of leadership styles. They were also asked if the code leader was effective and if the code was medically well run (MWR). Results: From 157 evaluators, 65 (41.4%) evaluated both RS. Forty seven (72.3%) were female evaluators. There was no difference in how scenarios were evaluated based on the code leader’s gender or the gender of the evaluators. The majority of evaluators, approximately 90% thought both leaders were effective. There were 1539 characteristics; the most common regardless of gender of the leader or evaluator were directive, respectful, positive, confident and relaxed. The characteristics are reflective in the transactional leadership style. Conclusions: We have identified the leadership style through the characteristics associated with a MWR-RS. The transactional style posses an strategic approach; is responsive, directive and corrective. We recommend implementing these leadership characteristics and support this style when teaching resuscitation curriculum.

Disciplines

Pediatrics

Language

English

Find It

UNLV article access

Search your library

Share

COinS