Naomi Lee
Introduction
Simulation training has been shown to improve patient safety and feed into culture improvement which is associated with better rescue-outcomes for patients with post operative complications.
Methods
Simulation training was done covering a variety of post operative complications over the course of two days. 15 members of staff participated including medical, nursing and auxiliary staff in the Surgical Hub. Pre and post intervention questionnaires were completed by participants. These utilised Likert scales to rank the subjects confidence levels in the identification and management of nine different post operative complications that would require immediate/prompt identification and initiation of management by nursing staff. Simulation scenarios were done in situ on the day surgery ward. The participants worked in small groups consisting of different professions, working in real time, with simulated members of the medical team, resuscitation/medical emergency team and patient at risk team to escalate to. Debrief with feedback and further learning was performed after the end of each scenario.
Results
100% of participants reported that simulation training helped them to deliver safer patient care. Compared to those who did not participate in the training there was a demonstrated improvement in confidence in the recognition and management of post operative complications.
Conclusions
Simulation training has shown to improve the nursing staff’s confidence in the recognition and management of post-operative complications with real life application in the day surgery setting. Following these findings we have implemented regular Surgical Hub simulation study days to develop and maintain clinical knowledge and skills.
Authors
Naomi Lee
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom