Does a specialised orthopaedic trauma module utilising high fidelity simulation improve student nurses’ perceptions of their competence? A pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundTrauma is the fourth leading cause of death in the western world, and traumatic injuries are recognised as clinically challenging to care for. Orthopaedic trauma care is not standard content in pre-qualifying nursing curriculums, compounded by a dearth in specialised post-qualifying education internationally. As a result, registered nurses may not have the clinical skill set to appropriately manage patients with traumatic conditions. AimsTo understand pre-qualifying student nurses’ perceptions of their own competence in orthopaedic trauma care and understand if utilisation high fidelity simulation improves confidence, knowledge and application of theory. MethodologyA small-scale qualitative pilot study utilising purposive sampling, designed to inform the development of a larger longitudinal study. A 5-point likert scale questionnaire with options for qualitative comments was administered after 8 weeks of a specialised module culminating in a high-fidelity simulation and in-depth debrief session. Thematic analysis was conducted. FindingsAll students found that the module improved their confidence and knowledge in their skills set. The high-fidelity simulation was found to be an effective learning environment to translate theory to practice. ConclusionsSpecialised orthopaedic trauma training is effective in improving student nurses' knowledge and perceived competence in trauma care. High fidelity simulation is a valuable teaching tool to develop student's skill sets in complex scenarios and support application of theory to practice.