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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The respiratory care department of one campus within our health system evaluated simulation-based medical education for training and competency evaluation of the mini bronchoalveolar lavage (mini-BAL) procedure, with an emphasis on patient safety and procedure performance standards.
METHODS: Training and competency evaluation occurred in 4 phases. In phase one, 24 staff respiratory therapists (RTs) were randomly chosen and individually underwent a simulation-based test of their mini-BAL performance, using a patient-simulator mannequin. Their performance on this test reflected the effectiveness of traditional training methods. In phase two, 83 staff RTs were given unlimited access to a Web-based curriculum on mini-BAL, including a video of a mini-BAL. They then took 2 tests: one online Web-based test, then a patient-simulator test. In phase three, the same 83 RTs attended a workshop that used the patient simulator for training and practice, then were re-evaluated with the patient-simulator test. Phase four was another simulator-based re-evaluation, 90 days after phase three, to study skills retention.
RESULTS: The mean scores were: phase one 73 ± 10%, phase two 77 ± 11%, phase three 95 ± 5% (p < 0.01), phase four 92 ± 8%.
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that employing simulation technology within a comprehensive departmental program can enhance staff training.
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Edgar Delgado RRT, Department of Respiratory Care, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh PA 15213. E-mail: delgadoe{at}upmc.edu.
Edgar Delgado RRT presented a version of this paper at the OPEN FORUM of the 51st International Respiratory Congress of the American Association for Respiratory Care, held December 3–6, 2005, in San Antonio, Texas.
- Copyright © 2007 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.
