Abstract
Purpose: Simulation training is designed as a learning opportunity to provide the participant with a safe environment to practice skills, communication, enhance patient safety and optimize patient outcomes. The purpose of this staff development was to evaluate the effectiveness of simulations and staff perceptions.
Design: An education opportunity to improve staff development was designed focusing on two specialties: pediatrics and trauma. Learning objectives were made regarding new processes, process changes, and initiatives identified for improvement. The facilitators were the emergency department (ED) educator, ED pediatrician, ED physician, trauma physician, and trauma nurse coordinator. Small groups were created to facilitate learning and increase hands on skills.
Setting: A 40 bed emergency department located in a metropolitan Level 1 trauma center and designated pediatric facility with approx. 59,000 patients per year.
Participants/Subjects: The participants included all nurses (N 66) and emergency medical technicians (EMT's) (N 21) in the emergency department that have been off orientation for a minimum of 6 months or more.
Methods: Participants were given a pre-test focusing on knowledge base, comfort with equipment, staff roles, and self-perception of ability to perform in each scenario (pediatric and trauma). Prior to the simulations, a scavenger hunt was performed to locate emergent supplies as well as discuss and demonstrate use of high risk low-use equipment. Participants were provided low-fidelity mannequins with moulaged injuries during the simulation. Participants were given initial case presentation via EMS report and guided through appropriate assessment, interventions, and disposition of patient. Facilitators performed a formal debriefing at the end of each scenario highlighting what went well, opportunities for improvement and addressing any equipment issues or concerns. The participants completed a post simulation test to evaluate for improvements and change. A written debrief of event was provided to staff for review the next day. Results/
Outcomes: Participants demonstrated an increase in the knowledge base for both the pediatric and trauma scenarios. Nursing had a 20% increase on the knowledge based portion for the trauma scenario, and a 16% increase for the pediatric scenario. Anecdotally participants stated "the simulations really help me feel more comfortable with knowing my role and expectations in those situations" and "the quiz really helped me be aware of what I was supposed to be learning, really made me think." While there was an increase in knowledge after simulation there was a minimal increase in staff perception of ability post trauma scenario and a slight increase in staff perception post pediatric scenario. Staff noted an increase in confidence regarding equipment, medication calculation and ability managing a pediatric code. Staff have demonstrated a better understanding of equipment usage, expectation and skills.
Implications: Small group simulations have increased the knowledge base of ED staff and has increased staff confidence with equipment and procedures during pediatric codes and trauma activations. Due to the success of the scenarios and increase in knowledge, simulations will be performed over the next year and will also include a mini skill station focusing on hands-on skills as well as a six month post-test to assess retention of objectives.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Education, Simulation, Simulation Training
Recommended Citation
Hunter, Alicia; Hyatt, Wendy; and Clayton, Stephen, "Simulations: Does practice improve performance?" (2019). General Submissions: Presenations (Oral and Poster). 105.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/gen_sub_presentations/2018/posters/105
Conference Name
Emergency Nursing 2018
Conference Host
Emergency Nurses Association
Conference Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Conference Year
2018
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Simulations: Does practice improve performance?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Purpose: Simulation training is designed as a learning opportunity to provide the participant with a safe environment to practice skills, communication, enhance patient safety and optimize patient outcomes. The purpose of this staff development was to evaluate the effectiveness of simulations and staff perceptions.
Design: An education opportunity to improve staff development was designed focusing on two specialties: pediatrics and trauma. Learning objectives were made regarding new processes, process changes, and initiatives identified for improvement. The facilitators were the emergency department (ED) educator, ED pediatrician, ED physician, trauma physician, and trauma nurse coordinator. Small groups were created to facilitate learning and increase hands on skills.
Setting: A 40 bed emergency department located in a metropolitan Level 1 trauma center and designated pediatric facility with approx. 59,000 patients per year.
Participants/Subjects: The participants included all nurses (N 66) and emergency medical technicians (EMT's) (N 21) in the emergency department that have been off orientation for a minimum of 6 months or more.
Methods: Participants were given a pre-test focusing on knowledge base, comfort with equipment, staff roles, and self-perception of ability to perform in each scenario (pediatric and trauma). Prior to the simulations, a scavenger hunt was performed to locate emergent supplies as well as discuss and demonstrate use of high risk low-use equipment. Participants were provided low-fidelity mannequins with moulaged injuries during the simulation. Participants were given initial case presentation via EMS report and guided through appropriate assessment, interventions, and disposition of patient. Facilitators performed a formal debriefing at the end of each scenario highlighting what went well, opportunities for improvement and addressing any equipment issues or concerns. The participants completed a post simulation test to evaluate for improvements and change. A written debrief of event was provided to staff for review the next day. Results/
Outcomes: Participants demonstrated an increase in the knowledge base for both the pediatric and trauma scenarios. Nursing had a 20% increase on the knowledge based portion for the trauma scenario, and a 16% increase for the pediatric scenario. Anecdotally participants stated "the simulations really help me feel more comfortable with knowing my role and expectations in those situations" and "the quiz really helped me be aware of what I was supposed to be learning, really made me think." While there was an increase in knowledge after simulation there was a minimal increase in staff perception of ability post trauma scenario and a slight increase in staff perception post pediatric scenario. Staff noted an increase in confidence regarding equipment, medication calculation and ability managing a pediatric code. Staff have demonstrated a better understanding of equipment usage, expectation and skills.
Implications: Small group simulations have increased the knowledge base of ED staff and has increased staff confidence with equipment and procedures during pediatric codes and trauma activations. Due to the success of the scenarios and increase in knowledge, simulations will be performed over the next year and will also include a mini skill station focusing on hands-on skills as well as a six month post-test to assess retention of objectives.