A debriefing script was designed for novice instructors to facilitate a 20-minute debriefing session. In this arm, novice instructors were provided the scenario learning objectives but NO SCRIPT, and asked to observe the simulation and conduct a 20 minute debriefing. The simulation scenario itself was conducted with an infant simulator. The low realism group had the simulator with the compressor turned off, thus eliminating the functionality of physical findings.

In this arm, novice instructors were provided the scenario learning objectives WITH A DEBRIEFING SCRIPT, and asked to observe the simulation and conduct a 20 minute debriefing USING THE SCRIPT. The lo realism group had the simulator with the compressor turned on, thus eliminating the functionality of physical findings.

In this arm, novice instructors were provided the scenario learning objectives WITHOUT A DEBRIEFING SCRIPT, and asked to observe the simulation and conduct a 20 minute debriefing WITHOUT USING THE SCRIPT. The hi realism group had the simulator with the compressor turned on, thus activating the functionality of physical findings.

In this arm, novice instructors were provided the scenario learning objectives WITH A DEBRIEFING SCRIPT, and asked to observe the simulation and conduct a 20 minute debriefing USING THE SCRIPT. The hi realism group had the simulator with the compressor turned on, thus activating the functionality of physical findings.

A debriefing script was designed for novice instructors to facilitate a 20-minute debriefing session. It was developed in iterative steps: (a) review of PALS learning objectives; (b) categorization of script content; (c) development of scripted language; (d) formatting into a cognitive aid and (e) pilot testing script for usability with subsequent edits before implementation in the study.

All novice instructors received the scenario 2 weeks prior to the study session. Instructors randomized to scripted debriefing were also given the script with no instruction on how to use it except on the day of the study, to use and follow the script as closely as possible during the debriefing session. All instructors held a clipboard while observing the simulation session; to hold the debriefing script and/or take notes. This allowed for blinding of the video reviewers as to which study arm the team had been randomized. Debriefing sessions were limited to 20-minutes in duration.

Behavioral Assessment Tool The Behavioral Assessment Tool (BAT) was used to assess the team leader's crisis resource management skills during the pre and post-simulation scenarios. Each behavior is rated on a five-point Likert scale, where a score of one represents poor behavioral performance in the category and a score of five reflects excellent performance. Each behavior is supplement by descriptive anchors for poor (1), average (3) and excellent performance (5). Previous work done by LeFlore et al has focused on establishing reliability and validity of the tool in varying contexts. In a study of nurse practitioner students, data demonstrated a Cronbach's alpha of 0.97 with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.84 (p<0.001). In a different study assessing alternative educational models for interdisciplinary student teams, the BAT was used to assess behavioral performance and the Cronbach's alpha was 0.956.

The Clinical Performance Tool, with 21 individual items, designed for evaluation of Pediatric Advanced Life Support scenarios, was utilized to assess clinical performance of the team. A total score (maximum 42 points) was converted into a percentage (0-100%) for analysis.