Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong KW, Chiu SH, Shiu YH, Tang KK, Hui YC, Wong LY
Affiliation :
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Introduction :
Transportation of critically ill patient is potentially hazardous. Deployment of structuralized training program as a designated solution to address specific challenges can minimize the associated risk factors. As the unique center to offer co-service of pediatric mechanical circulatory support (MCS) including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and implantable ventricular assisted device (VAD) in Hong Kong, the service of pediatric MCS transportation is highly demanded. Hence, a specialized training program was implemented to enhance the nursing competency in managing pediatric MCS transportation.
Objectives :
To investigate the efficacy of the specialized training program in enhancing nursing competency to manage pediatric MCS transportation.
Methodology :
44 pediatric nurses were recruited to the program between 2016 and 2018, which comprised of didactic and practical scenario-based training. The didactic lectures emphasized critically ill pediatric patient transportation knowledge, algorithm based emergency troubleshooting, leadership, team cooperation techniques and the utilization of transportation toolkit. The toolkit integrated details of various MCS transfer checklists, photographic illustrations regarding the transfer set-up of major destinations, which served as a procedural guidance. To optimize clinical relevance and authenticity in the practical scenario–based session, purposeful scenarios were derived according to the experience of our department. Staff survey and clinical competency assessment were conducted to evaluate relevant effectiveness by the end of the program.
Result & Outcome :
Remarkable satisfactory outcomes were revealed by the staff survey, participants rated the program with a mean score of 95.4% as highly effective. Moreover, 97.7% of our participants agreed that their proficiency in planning, coordination, communication, and confidence in handling emergencies during MCS transportation were reinforced. They expressed their courage and capability to commit the leader role in the upcoming transportation. Among 102 pediatric MCS transportation events within the period, each participant attempted a mean 2.3 events without any critical incident detected. Clinical competency assessment assured the demonstration of proper transportation skills and compliance in following the guidance of transportation toolkit throughout the events. In conclusion, implementing a specialized training program is proved to be effective in enhancing nursing competency and patient safety in managing pediatric MCS transportation. For maintaining clinical sustainability, extending the scope of training program is recommended.
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