Using observational simulation teaching methods in professional development to address patient safety

Abstract

BackgroundFramed within the National Quality Health Service Standards and using immersive simulation approaches, a series of videos responding to accreditation audit findings were created and used as teaching artefacts for mandatory professional development at a regional hospital in Australia. The scenarios captured a patient's hospital journey and targeted quality standards for medication administration, infection control, patient identification, documentation and preventing falls. AimTo improve patient safety and quality health outcomes. MethodsMixed methods comprising of quality audit data, surveys and interviews were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the simulation video artefacts and to measure the impact of the professional development initiative using simulation artefacts on patient outcomes. FindingsFindings showed high levels of satisfaction with the new education programme, improved understanding of documentation, improved risk management and a significant reduction in the incidence of falls with injury (73%), medication incidents (34%), and infection (61%). ConclusionThis project promoted a culture of safety and learning and demonstrated that using simulation videos in mandatory professional development can positively impact safety and health outcomes.