The Role of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor in Applying Best Practices in Pediatric Resuscitation

Abstract: Introduction: Cardiopulmonary arrest is an emergency event that requires both early identification of signs of clinical deterioration and rapid and effective actions for its reversal. Many physicians and nurses who provide care for children seek to training in this area of care by completing the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course, and subsequently becoming an instructor. The aim of this research was to understand the PALS instructors’ views on their role in connecting simulated scenarios to real life pediatric resuscitation situations. Method: The article has a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews were used as the research technique. Twelve interviews were conducted with PALS instructors linked to various training centers in São Paulo. For qualitative analysis of the interviews the method proposed by Minayo was used, and Pierre Bourdieu’s field and habitus theoretical framework was also adopted. Results: Analysis of the interviews showed that after becoming PALS instructors, physicians and nurses feel recognized and self-confident, are better team leaders, make constructive interventions, suggest more training in pediatric emergencies and implement improvements in their services. The built-in habitus in the simulated field was reproduced by the instructors in the field of assistance, except in the debriefing application. Conclusion: The role of the instructors was to multiply best practices, involving the teams and favoring the execution of systematized and evidence-based care, with positive results in the day-to-day of hospital institutions.