Comparing the usability of paediatric weight estimation methods: a simulation study

摘要: Objective Estimating weight is essential in order to prepare appropriate sized equipment and doses of resuscitation drugs cases where children are critically ill or injured. Many methods exist with varying degrees complexity accuracy. The most recent version the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course has changed their teaching from an age-based calculation method use a reference table. We aimed evaluate potential implications this change. Method Using bespoke online simulation platform we assessed ability acute paediatric staff apply different estimation. Comparing time taken, rate magnitude errors were made using APLS single triple formulae, Best Guess table methods. To add urgency element cognitive stress, time-based competitive component was included. Results 57 participants performed total 2240 estimates weight. fastest (25 (22–28) vs 35 (31–38) 48 (43–51) s) preferred, but all There no significant difference percentage accuracy between (93%–97%) significantly smaller three formulae 10% (6.5–21) compared (69% (34–133)) mainly month/year confusion. Conclusion In exploratory study under psychological stress none estimation free error. Reference tables also had largest should be designed minimise risk picking errors.