Use of simulators in paediatric and neonatal training

Simulators are being increasingly used in medical education. They vary from simple ‘low-fidelity’ models used to teach specific skills such as venepuncture and cannulation, to mannequins attached to complex computer systems that mimic physiological responses to illness and treatment. The low frequency of presentation of infants and young children with critical illness makes simulation of particular benefit for paediatric training, providing the opportunity for risk-free practice of clinical management and non-clinical skills such as communication, situational awareness and leadership.