Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lo OT(1), Leung KW(1), Yim TL(1), Wan HY(1), Fung SS(1), Wong LY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Impella is a percutaneous ventricular assist device (VAD) to support hemodynamics of patients with heart failure. Providing care of patients with Impella requires high-level of nursing skills and knowledge to provide appropriate troubleshooting. Besides, the number of patients receiving Impella support has been increasing in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTSD) Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Therefore, a simulation-based in-service training program is essential to consolidate the knowledge and enhance the competencies of nurses in managing these patients.
Objectives :
1.To enhance and consolidate knowledge of nurses about Impella through a series of lecture.
2.To improve the competencies of nurses in managing patients with Impella and providing high-level troubleshooting by participating in hands-on scenario-based simulations.
Methodology :
A pre-test consisting of questions about basic knowledge and nursing management was distributed to nurses. Lectures including physiological principles, nursing management and troubleshooting skills were conducted. Participants were then required to pass the simulations with six scenarios to test their troubleshooting skills. A post-test was given to compare the knowledge level before and after the program. Finally, evaluation forms were filled by participants to assess the effectiveness of the program.
Result & Outcome :
There are 50 nurses in the CTSD ICU attended the lecture and 47 of them passed the simulations.
The data revealed a significant increase in knowledge of Impella, with a mean score of 10/18 (pre-test) and 16/18 (post-test). Over 90% of participants could identify the device operation and physiological principles. Also, 85% of the participants could identify the Impella alarms correctly and troubleshoot appropriately after the simulations.
After the program, more than 95% of participants strongly agreed that their knowledge of Impella had significantly increased. Over 90% of participants reported that they could identify alarms and provide appropriate nursing management especially in emergency conditions.
Overall, over 98% of participants stated that their confidence and competency in managing these patients have been increased and they were satisfied.
The knowledge of Impella among CTSD ICU staff was significantly enhanced. Moreover, staff competencies and confidence in managing Impella patients markedly increased . Scenario-based simulations provided an opportunity to assess and practice trouble shooting skills of Impella.
