Regular in situ simulation improves participants' confidence in technical and non-technical skills required for managing a medical emergency

Ward-based in situ simulation: lessons learnt from a UK District General Hospital

INTRODUCTION

In situ simulation (ISS) enables multiprofessional healthcare teams to train for real emergencies in their own working environment and identify latent patient safety threats. This study aimed to determine ISS impact on teamwork, technical skill performance, healthcare staff perception and latent error identification during simulated medical emergencies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unannounced ISS sessions (n=14, n=75 staff members) using a high-fidelity mannequin were conducted in medical, paediatric and rehabilitation wards at Stepping Hill Hospital (Stockport National Health Service Foundation Trust, UK). Each session encompassed a 15 min simulation followed by a 15 min faculty-led debrief.

RESULTS

The clinical team score revealed low overall teamwork performances during simulated medical emergencies (mean±SEM: 4.3±0.5). Linear regression analysis revealed that overall communication (r=0.9, p<0.001), decision-making (r=0.77, p<0.001) and overall situational awareness (r=0.73, p=0.003) were the strongest statistically significant predictors of overall teamwork performance. Neither the number of attending healthcare professionals, their professional background, age, gender, degree of clinical experience, level of resuscitation training or previous simulation experience statistically significantly impacted on overall teamwork performance. ISS positively impacted on healthcare staff confidence and clinical training. Identified safety threats included unknown location of intraosseous kits, poor/absent airway management, incomplete A-E assessments, inability to activate the major haemorrhage protocol, unknown location/dose of epinephrine for anaphylaxis management, delayed administration of epinephrine and delayed/absence of attachment of pads to the defibrillator as well as absence of accessing ALS algorithms, poor chest compressions and passive behaviour during simulated cardiac arrests.

CONCLUSION

Poor demonstration of technical/non-technical skills mandate regular ISS interventions for healthcare professionals of all levels. ISS positively impacts on staff confidence and training and drives identification of latent errors enabling improvements in workplace systems and resources.

IN SITU SIMULATION IN THE PERMANENT EDUCATION OF THE INTENSIVE CARE NURSING TEAM

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the perception of nursing professionals about the in situ strategy in continuing education in intensive care. Method: a descriptive, exploratory and qualitative study, conducted with 15 nursing professionals from an Intensive Care Unit. Data was collected from December 2018 to February 2019, by means of semi-structured interviews, after in situ simulations that occurred in the work environment and involving two settings, one on septic shock and the other, cardiorespiratory arrest. For analysis, the collective subject discourse technique was applied using a software program. Results: from the 15 nursing professionals participating in the study, eight were nurses and seven were nursing technicians. Their age varied from 23 to 56 years old and their time in intensive care ranged from two months to 17 years. The in situ simulation was perceived as an opportunity to update and acquire professional knowledge, skills and competencies, especially for those without experience, favoring the gain of self-confidence, communication, decision-making and clinical reasoning. The simulated in situ strategy was also portrayed as a possibility of training in the professional practice and in real time, unlike traditional training, and also, as a safe environment to make mistakes of diverse magnitudes because it is a training setting. Conclusion: the professionals understand the in situ simulation as being valid for professional update and practical learning in a safe setting.