An Integrative Review Regarding Knowledge and Self-Competency of Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care Transport Nurses

Abstract

ObjectiveAs the health care setting has become more centralized, there has been an increased need for critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients to be transported to facilities for a higher level of care. These interfacility transports are possible through the utilization of highly specialized teams of health care providers. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of consistency in training these teams to provide safe care. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the best practice for improving nursing knowledge and self-competency in critical care neonatal and pediatric interhospital transport. MethodsA literature search was conducted to answer the following question: What are the best practices to improve/assess nursing knowledge and self-competency in critical care neonatal and pediatric interhospital transport? The articles found were then appraised using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model's appraisal tool. ResultsEight articles were included in the final review and found to be of good quality. From these articles, 4 themes were identified that address the best practices in the education of critical care transport nurses: increased knowledge and skills with simulation, improved self-efficacy and satisfaction of nurses with simulation, knowledge assessment is feasible through tests and checklists, and the importance of debriefing among nurses with simulation. ConclusionThe incorporation of routine simulations that include knowledge tests, checklists, and targeted educational debriefings for interhospital neonatal and pediatric critical care transport teams improves and verifies nursing knowledge and self-competency. Future research should focus on the design and curriculum specifications of this educational plan within critical care interhospital transport.