Teaching NICU Fellows How to Relay Difficult News Using a Simulation-Based Curriculum: Does Comfort Lead to Competence?

As previously described in the literature, trainee self-efficacy and knowledge may improve in the short term and long term with a simulation-based curriculum in communication of difficult news. However, these results may be inconsistent with those of objective evaluations by expert raters and standardized parents. The impact of the curriculum may be heightened if it reinforces previously learned skills, but the effect may wane over time if not reinforced frequently with additional formal training or in the clinical setting. The results of this study highlight the importance of objective assessments in evaluating the utility of a simulation-based communication curriculum and the need for longitudinal curricula to promote retention of the concepts and skills being taught.