Teaching Student Nurse Anesthetists to Respond to Simulated Anesthetic Emergencies

Preparing for practice, the effects of repeated immersive simulation on the knowledge and self-efficacy of undergraduate nursing students: A mixed methods study

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two immersive simulation-based education instructional designs, immersive simulation with team deliberate practice and immersive repeated standard simulation, when delivered over the same time on the knowledge and self-efficacy of nursing students.

BACKGROUND

Implementing immersive simulation-based education is not without its resource challenges, making it prohibitive for simulation educators to include it in their curricula. Subsequently, there is a need to identify instructional designs that meet these challenges.

DESIGN

A two-stage mixed methods approach was used to compare the two instructional designs.

METHODS

In stage one, data were collected using questionnaires and differences estimated using analysis of covariance. In stage two, data were collected from two focus groups and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Data were collected as part of a doctoral study completed in 2019 and was analysed for this study between 2022 and 2023. The justification for this study was that the identification of effective designs for immersive simulation remains a key research priority following the increase in allowable simulation hours by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

RESULTS

In stage one, there was no statistical significance in the participant's knowledge or self-efficacy between the models. In stage two, four themes were identified: vulnerability, development of knowledge, development of self-efficacy and preparation for placement. In contrast to stage one, participants reported that the repeated nature of both designs reinforced their knowledge base increased their self-efficacy, reduced their anxiety levels, and helped them to prepare for placement.

CONCLUSION

The results inferred that both designs had a positive impact on the participants. Overall, participants reported that it helped them prepare for placements. Based on the findings, wherever possible, repeated immersive simulation-based education designs should be used and not a standalone immersive simulation-based education scenarios. If resources allow, this could be either a repeated scenario, or if there are resource constraints to use, over the same time, immersive simulation with team deliberate practice, or a similar model. Thus, giving a potential return on investment, one that supports simulation educators making those sensitive decisions regarding the inclusion of immersive simulation with team deliberate practice in their curriculum. Further research is needed into this area to ascertain the design features that maximise this impact and support a move away from standalone scenarios to an approach that uses repetitive immersive simulation.

Implementation of a Multimodal Interdisciplinary Massive Transfusion Protocol Educational Bundle Improves Knowledge and Self-Efficacy

PURPOSE

Critical events in the operative setting require rapid management to prevent adverse outcomes. This article describes a multimodal educational bundle that was designed and implemented to improve readiness to respond to crises involving significant blood loss. Intended outcomes of this project were to increase knowledge and self-efficacy of anesthesia providers and perioperative staff members related to the use of the massive transfusion protocol (MTP).

DESIGN

This is a quality improvement (QI) project.

METHODS

A two-part educational bundle consisted of pre-education and low-fidelity simulation (LFS) via computer-based training (CBT) modules followed by hands-on skills sessions. Anesthesia providers, registered nurses, and technicians in the operative suite completed the educational intervention. Knowledge and self-efficacy were measured pre-and-post intervention.

FINDINGS

After completing the educational bundle, the aggregated mean score on a knowledge test increased by 5.65%. Self-efficacy related to role-specific responsibilities and confidence regarding the team's ability to carry out the MTP significantly increased for all participants (n = 62).

CONCLUSIONS

This project serves as an example of how a multimodal educational bundle can improve knowledge, confidence, and readiness to respond to critical events. This model demonstrates how pre-education and LFS enable crisis management training to be readily accessible for an entire interdisciplinary team.