International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background and aim:

In the two years prior to commencement of the project, data suggested that incidents related to patient safety were high on one Urgent Care Ward. Evidence also suggested that staff turnover and the number of junior staff in post were also higher than usual with little support available.

A series of monthly, clinical Simulation Based Education, (SBE) Sessions were held over eight months with the aim of allowing staff to practice, in a safe space, the specific clinical skills required to work in that environment ultimately resulting in safer patient care by increasing knowledge, skills and confidence, [1].

Activity:

Training consisted of monthly 3-hour sessions, 3 scenarios per session, each followed by a structured debriefing cementing understanding and learning. Scenarios were relevant to Urgent Care and as realistic as possible using High Fidelity Simulators.

A mixed methodology was used to collect qualitive and quantitative data over 11 months allowing for robust analysis, [2]. Pre and Post session Confidence Scales were completed by candidates as well as a feedback form to identify key learning points and to advise on the suitability. A comparison study was made, collecting patient safety data at the beginning and end of the project.

Findings:

26 candidates attended. 3 attended twice. Candidates were qualified and student Nurses and Health Care Assistants with varying levels of Urgent Care experience. Following sessions all candidates reported that they felt more confident managing deteriorating patients and that they felt more confident to summon assistance. They all reported that scenarios were relevant to practice. 65 learning points were identified with 7 common themes.

The most useful part of sessions was realism and relevance.

Patient Safety Data indicates some improvement in the number of reported incidents. Some variables could have influenced data and further study is required.

Results were positive and the project has been adopted throughout Urgent Care across the Trust to improve patient safety and retain staff

Conclusion:

The project aimed to improve patient safety by providing SBE to staff on one Urgent Care Ward. Analysis of data suggests there was some benefit to patient care and demonstrated a positive impact on staff confidence. It also identified key learning themes.

The educational program will be offered across the Trust and further study will enable more persuasive data.

Ethics statement:

Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.