Immersive simulation and debriefing method as an active learning platform for trauma specialty educational programme

Abstract

Background: The Trauma Center of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar, aims to develop highly skilled specialized trauma nurses. The American Trauma Society highlights the importance of specialty courses for the professional development of trauma nurses1. All HMC trauma nurses are mandated to attend the Advanced Trauma Care Nursing (ATCN) course. While, this course focuses on the trauma golden hours and the life threating injuries, there is no coverage on the daily and long term trauma specialty practices. HMC designed a trauma specialty programme and embedded the immersive simulation and debriefing method, a high fidelity simulation through case based teaching2,, 3,, 4. In this study we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme design. Methods: A four day trauma specialty programme was designed in an active form of learning through case based high fidelity simulation. A skills assessment checklist and nine case based simulation scenarios were developed. A structured learning conversation and debriefing sessions were established after each scenario2,3. To assess the effectiveness of the program design, a retrospective survey was conducted for trauma nurses (n = 75) who attended the programme. Results: For the trauma specialty education programmes, the learning through immersive simulation and debriefing method is an effective, dynamic, and active form of learning (Table 1). There was a significant improvement in the competency level of the trauma nurses’ specialty skills (long term and daily basis skills) (Table 1). Conclusion: Having a trauma educational specialty programme is essential for the trauma nurses’ professional development. The immersive simulation method is an effective method for the trauma specialty educational courses, as it; improves trauma nurse's knowledge and skills, and it is an active form of education.