Integrating Simulation-Based Exercises into Public Health Emergency Management Curricula.

The aim of this study is to enrich public health emergency management (PHEM) curricula and increase the workforce readiness of graduates through the implementation of an innovative curriculum structure centered around simulation and the creation of authentic learning experiences into a mastery-based Disaster Preparedness graduate certificate program launched in 2016 at the Colorado School of Public Health. Learners progress through a sequence of increasingly complex discussion and operations-based exercises designed to align with training methodologies used by future employers in the disaster response field, covering PHEM fundamentals and domestic and international disaster preparedness and response. Preliminary feedback is overwhelmingly positive, equating the experience to securing an internship.

Child Life Reduces Distress and Pain and Improves Family Satisfaction in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

This study evaluated the effects of Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) intervention on pediatric distress and pain and family satisfaction during routine peripheral intravenous (PIV) line placement in the emergency department (ED). A convenience sample of 78 children (3-13 years) requiring PIV placement for their treatment at a regional level 1 pediatric trauma center ED with 70 000 annual visits were selected to receive either standard nursing care or CCLS intervention for PIV placement. CCLS involvement was associated with fewer negative emotional behaviors as indicated by a lower score on the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (-3.