A multi-professional full-scale simulation course in the recognition and management of deteriorating hospital patients

Introduction

Recognition and management of deteriorating patients is often suboptimal, resulting in adverse events that may be avoided if a unified understanding of the signs and needs of deteriorating patients is secured through the education of staff. This paper describes the planning and evaluation of a multi-professional, full-scale simulation-based course for hospital professionals.

Methods

A systematic approach to course development was used and the programme was introduced on four general wards in a university hospital. Experts from the wards were trained as educators and participated in the course development. A needs assessment consisting of an observational study, questionnaires and interviews resulted in the creation of learning objectives to provide the road map for content and teaching methods. A 1-day multi-professional ward-specific educational programme with full-scale simulations, mini-lectures, case discussions and practical training was planned. Course material, a manual for educators and questionnaires for evaluation of the course were developed.

Results

A 1-day full-scale simulation-based educational programme was developed and 50% of the medical staff and 70% of the nursing staff on four wards were trained in a 5-month period. The course was highly rated in terms of content and teaching methods.

Discussion

The systematic approach for developing the course resulted in a relevant, highly rated course, deeply rooted in the wards, implying the opportunity to facilitate local improvements and adjust the content to local needs.

Conclusion

The use of a systematic approach was successful in the development of this multi-professional full-scale simulation-based educational programme, which has proven to be easily applicable and usable.