VRR-CPD: adapting free and open-access distance simulation for the continuing interprofessional education of community emergency department providers on caring for children with acute emergencies

ObjectivesMost Canadian children (~ 80%) receive emergency care in general Emergency Departments (general EDs), which often lack pediatric readiness compared to Pediatric Emergency Departments (pediatric ED) and lead to poorer outcomes. Travelling on-site outreach simulation for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can improve readiness but is resource-intensive. This study evaluates the acceptability and logistics of the Virtual Resus Room© (VRR), a free, online simulation platform for delivering pediatric outreach education remotely.MethodsA multi-centre quasi-experimental simulation study was conducted with independently practicing physicians and nurses from 12 general EDs networked with two pediatric ED. Participants worked in teams, completing a 3.5-h VRR-CPD session with debriefing. Acceptability was assessed according to the Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework using Simulation Effectiveness Tool Modified, Systems Usability Scale, Net Promoter Score (NPS) and open-text survey responses. Distance, time, and cost were compared to travelling outreach models.ResultsThirty-seven participants from 9/12 general EDs completed 10 sessions over 10.5 h—more sessions than would be feasible traditionally. Participants and facilitators reported high educational value, strong ease-of-use, and above-average NPS (60 and 71). Feedback praised accessibility and high-quality debriefs, but noted challenges with internet reliability, simultaneous conversations, and decreased allied health engagement from platform constraints. VRR-CPD simulation had significant distance, cost ($668.50 vs $929.06/session) and time savings (210 vs 423 min).ConclusionsVRR-based virtual simulation is a feasible, accessible, and resource-efficient continuing professional development tool. VRR-CPD can aid pediatric readiness efforts with more broader and equitable reach than traditional models, especially when paired with hybrid education approaches.