Simulation‐based training module on urosepsis improves knowledge and skills of urology nurses in Karachi, Pakistan: A brief project report

Abstract

AbstractSimulation‐based training has become an essential part of medical and healthcare education. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the improvement in knowledge and skills of nurses by introducing a new training methodology simulation‐based training module. A ‘cause and effect’ tool was used to identify care concerns and learning needs experienced by urology nurses in patient care settings. Early identification and management of sepsis/urosepsis was identified as a learning theme. A timeline was set and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Quality Improvement Model, methodology was used to enact a plan‐do‐study‐act cycle to develop a strategy for project execution. To improve care provided by urology nurses and to improve the clinical outcomes, a biannual traditional training course for urology nurses was refurbished converting it into a simulation‐based training module. Via this module nursing staff gained knowledge about a standard sepsis protocol and were able to perform focused assessment on a high fidelity SimMan 3G® simulator. Staff were further able to identify early signs of urosepsis and demonstrate an ability in its initial management. Participants had skills signed off at the end of simulation‐based training session. Improvement in knowledge was assessed by multiple choice questions following pre and post‐tests. An online evaluation form was filled by each participant to assess effectiveness of module and strengths, weaknesses opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis was done. Fifty four out of 93 nurses within a Nephrology‐Urology service participated. Improvement in knowledge was calculated by pre‐test average score about recognition and early management of sepsis which was 59%, with an average post‐test score of 75%. Besides this, nurses were evaluated for skills sign off with at least a ‘satisfactory’ performance. At the end of the session evaluation forms were completed by the participants to determine the perceived usefulness of the training. A SWOT analysis identified the main strength of the project which was that it offered hands‐on skills to identify early warning signs of sepsis along with the opportunity to practice the management of these issues efficiently. Simulation‐based module significantly improved the knowledge and skills of urology nurses and participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward this new pedagogy.