Paediatric emergency medicine is a growing subspecialty, and worldwide there are many pathways to attaining specialist qualifications in this area. There is an expectation that those trained in PEM are able to perform the critical procedures required to treat a range of emergency conditions in children, up to and including complex resuscitation. Recently published literature (mostly from North America) questions the ability of PEM physicians to maintain skills in critical procedures.

 

The first phase of this PERN study will survey PEM physicians globally to determine exposure, confidence in performance, and needs assessment for further experience/training in critical procedures undertaken in children. In the second phase data will be collected prospectively from sites across the PERN network on critical care procedures and success/complication rates.  The results of this study will inform strategies which can be developed to maintain skills and confidence in critical pediatric procedures by PEM physicians.