Evaluating skills transfer from simulation to real-life neonatal care

Transference of Established Simulated Skills (TEST) Trial: Tracking Transference of Positive Pressure Ventilation Skills From Simulation to Delivery Room.

Observational University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT06572033

This study is testing if the skills respiratory therapists learn in a simulation lab for managing mask leaks during ventilation can help them perform better in real-life situations with newborns.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06572033 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess whether skills learned in a simulation lab for managing mask leak during positive pressure ventilation (PPV) can be effectively applied in the delivery room. By comparing the performance of respiratory therapists on mannequins to their performance on newborns, the study seeks to establish a Ventilation Performance Score (VPS) based on data collected from a respiratory function monitor. The primary hypothesis is that a provider's ability to minimize mask leak on a mannequin correlates with their ability to do so with a newborn. The study will analyze key parameters such as mask leak and VPS in both settings to evaluate correlations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include respiratory therapists employed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who actively participate in neonatal deliveries.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include newborns who do not require positive pressure ventilation after birth.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the training of healthcare providers, leading to improved outcomes for newborns requiring respiratory support.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown that simulation training can improve clinical skills, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Respiratory Therapists (RTs)

Inclusion Criteria:

* Respiratory Therapists who are employed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Parkland Hospital.
* RTs who actively participate in neonatal deliveries.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Respiratory Therapists classified as "float" RTs, meaning those who do not have a permanent assignment in the NICU.
* RTs who intend to leave the institution within the upcoming year.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Newborn Infants

Inclusion Criteria:

* Newborn infants who require positive pressure ventilation (PPV) immediately after birth in the delivery room.
* Infants of various gestational ages and birth weights, representing a broad spectrum of neonatal resuscitation scenarios.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Newborns who do not require PPV after birth.
* Infants for whom the use of the respiratory function monitor (RFM) is not feasible due to medical or technical reasons.

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neonatal Respiratory Distress
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.