Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung KC(1), Ho SM(1), Ng YB(1), Man KW(2), Lee KW(2), Leung LM(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Ward 13A, Isolation Ward, United Christian Hospital; (2) Nursing Services Division, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and endotracheal intubation are classified as high risk procedures due to aerosol generation. However, competency and skill gap in caring patients with COVID-19 during emergency situation was found in newly deployed staff. The knowledge and skill deficit may induce stress and increase the infectious risk to staff. Therefore, a simulation training program supported by evidence on CPR and endotracheal intubation in isolation ward was carried out in order to provide safe and quality nursing care during emergency situation.
Objectives :
1. To strengthen responsiveness and clinical skills in CPR and endotracheal intubation for cohort team 2. To provide simulation-based learning for developing knowledge and skills of emergency situation in a risk-free environment 3. To promote effective communication among team members for clinical safety 4. To strengthen infection control measures in emergency situation for staff safety
Methodology :
A program workgroup was established to carry out this project. The workgroup members included specialty nurses of infectious disease, ward manager of the isolation ward and also senior nurses from Nursing Quality and Safety Team of Nursing Services Division. A well-constructed simulation with realistic equipment and scenarios was designed to provide a lifelike point-of-care learning experience for staff. Five identical sessions were conducted in February 2020 covering all nursing staff of isolation ward and medical officers of cohort team. Each session consisted of two scenarios in 45 minutes. Debriefings were conducted immediately after the training as a reflective learning experience. Participants were encouraged to verbalize their thoughts and performance with no blame culture. The important points in resuscitation and intubation were discussed and concluded. Moreover, the participants had the opportunity to ask questions and raise their concerns. The training experience was evaluated and feedback was collected with a self-designed evaluation form for further improvement.
Result & Outcome :
All 51 nurses and 8 medical officers of the cohort team participated in this simulation training program. They agreed that the training was practical and useful which strengthen proper infection control measures during CPR and communication among team members. Measures to minimize aerosol generation were shared. They all satisfied with this program as a whole and would recommend this program to others. Promote safety by risk-free simulation environment allow mistakes and reflections. Mutual respect and speaking up are important elements in the learning process. The sharing in the debriefing session promote active learning. The sharing knowledge could equip staff to take care of COVID-19 patients safely. With the skill strengthened, health care staff can work confidently. A positive practice workplace is promoted, committed to safeguarding the health of staff and patients. Required by hospital deployment policy, staff at isolation wards would be rotated regularly. Therefore, the simulation training on CPR and endotracheal intubation should be carried out periodically to ensure quality and safety at work.
