Abstract W P291: Crime Scene Investigation: Using Simulation to Assess and Demonstrate Annual Competencies

Abstract

Background: It is a requirement to have licensed and unlicensed care-givers demonstrate clinical competency on an annual basis to ensure the safety of patients. It is often accomplished by the use of didactic education and skill demonstration without observing a patient safety assessment. Purpose: The purpose of using an alternative method to assess and confirm annual competencies was to create a situation that would more accurately reflect the skills required by the licensed and unlicensed personnel in the Neurologic Intensive Care Unit. Methods: Staff completed computer based learning modules that were determined by the critical care department. After the didactic was completed, personnel reserved a time for competency check-off in a patient room with a simulated patient situation. The providers were given a “report” utilizing common patient diagnoses and procedures in the ICU. A mannequin was surrounded by typical ICU monitoring devices and equipment with a focus on high-risk situations. The nurses and PCT’s were then allotted time to assess the patient and environment, identifying the errors and risks discovered in the simulated patient scenario. Correct identification of the known dangers and errors and being able to state the necessary corrections resulted in confirmed competency for the year. Results/Lessons Learned: All care-givers in the Neuro ICU verbalized satisfaction using this method of competency assessment. Staff felt as if it was an accurate demonstration of the skills required to care for critically ill patients presented in a manner that was enjoyable. The benefits to the Clinical Nurses Specialist included identification of common errors or dangers that were over-looked, which formed the teaching plan for unit-based education for the coming year. Conclusions: Simulation based skills check-off is an effective and efficient method to ascertain annual competency. Care givers were satisfied with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in an environment that mimicked their daily practice. While accomplishing the requirement the CNS was also able to assess the learning needs of staff members.