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Learning Objective 1: Increase awareness of Simulation Technology as a teaching method in the health care setting
Learning Objective 2: Learn how Simulation Technology can create a patient safe learning environment
Does the complex nature of today's nursing practice contribute to the rapid increase in medical errors? Can nurses identify the signs and symptoms of a patients deteriorating condition and make the necessary critical decisions to rescue the patient?
One innovative approach is to use Human Patient Simulation (HPS) technology. Nationwide, colleges and university nursing program are using HPDS technology in addition to traditional teaching methods. Why are hospitals not accepting this method of training?
We tested 42 telemetry nurses from two units (rural, urban) on four modules: ACS; CHF; COPD; Post Op. Each nurse was evaluated individually on their ability to assess and implement interventions to rescue the patient.
Pretest showed less that 50% of the time, these nurses was unable to recognize the signs and symptoms of deterioration in the simulated patient. (The ability to recognize a decrease in trends for the modules was: ACS 45%; CHF 52%; COPD 43%; Post Op 40 %).
There was markedly improvement in nurses' ability to rescue patients. Nurses evidenced to be more at ease recognizing deteriorating conditions, calling rapid response team and preparing patient for transfer. The ability to recognize a decrease in trends for each module: ACS 96%; CHF 96%; COPD 100%; Post Op 92%.
As nursing educators we need to change to focus of nursing education to provide practical experience that will enhance the bedside nurse's ability to recognize and respond to changes in their patient's condition. Using the HPS will provide nurses the opportunity to practice patient rescue skills and will results in improved patient outcomes and safety.