Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung LY(1), Wan HY(1), Lam SY(1), Fung SH(1), Wong LY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTSD), Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
The Convergent Hybrid Epicardial-Endocardial Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation is a new approach to the treatment of persistent AF. It is developed to combine surgical and catheter ablation techniques into a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to managing AF. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTSD) of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) was the first pioneer in Southeast Asia of using this technique to treat AF. To meet the challenges, we have implemented an in-house training program for Department of Cardiothoracic Surgical nurses in setting up the theater. The program aims to boost their knowledge and skills in preparing the EPi-Sense Ablation Device for patient safety enhancement.
Objectives :
(1) Understand the context and need for atrial ablation
(2) Identify targeted patient groups for Convergent procedure
(3) Enable nurses to independently prepare the equipment and environment for the operation
(4) Equip nurses with the necessary skills to prepare the EPi-Sense Ablation Device
(5) Enable nurses to recognize the different vacuum levels and understand their appropriate use at each step of the procedure, ensuring a smooth operation while prioritizing patient safety
Methodology :
In phase 1, a departmental protocol is established to ensure that all team members are aware of the standard procedures. Next, the team is educated about the use of the EPi-Sense Ablation Device and demonstration is conducted before the operation. A 1:1 trainer-to-trainee ratio is maintained during operation. Additionally, a pre-recorded video detailing the EPi-Sense Ablation Device set-up process is stored for training.
In phase 2, a presentation is conducted to provide an overview of the surgical procedure and clarify the roles and responsibilities of each team member.
Result & Outcome :
Result:
After the 1:1 training method, 41% (n=22) circulating nurses and 36% (n=25) scrub nurses have been trained on the real case. All of them can work independently.
A “Pre-test” and “Post-test” design was employed after phase 2. 30% colleagues (n=25) participated. The average score of the pre-test was 51, which increased to 83 in the post-test after the presentation.
Outcome:
The training provided received positive feedback from the majority of nurses, demonstrating their eagerness to learn and practice within this framework. They agreed that the program enhances their knowledge and skills in the procedure, benefiting their work significantly. Furthermore, they have learned to use an appropriate vacuum level to prevent tissues damage and identify early-warning signals during the procedure.
