Enhancing Communication skills for Patient Transporters Through Simulation-based training

Dr. Mary Suja Sukumar

ucjournals March 2, 2024

133 3 minutes read

Presented in 14th World Healthcare, Hospital Management, Nursing, and Patient Safety Conference Holiday Inn Dubai, UAE & Virtual
Speaker Name: Dr. Mary Suja Sukumar, MD CPHQ AMQ ABAIM
Global Journal of Healthcare, Hospital Management, Nursing, and Patient Safety
Unified Citation Journals, Nursing 2024, ISSN 2754-0952
Affiliation: Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation, Hartford, Connecticut, USA

Abstract:

Effective communication among intrahospital transporters is crucial for the safety and efficient transfer of patients within the healthcare facility. Simulation training has been proven to offer experiential learning through the creation of scenarios that mimic real life situations. It allows the learning of new skills with the engagement in evidence-based practice and feedback in real time, enabling accelerated development of expertise and forming bridges between classroom or online training and real-world experiences (Edwards et al-2023).

Anecdotal evidence identified reasons such as overwhelm in unfamiliar environments and perceptions of being “just a transporter”, as causes for dissatisfaction among transporters in general and preventing new recruits from staying. The value of simulation was reflected in the immersion of intrahospital transporters in realistic simulation scenarios. The intent of the training was to empower transporters to be comfortable in their roles and have the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to make them successful, enabling them to contribute towards the quality of healthcare delivery and affecting patient safety.

Methods:

The simulation educator met with 16 transporters with a variety of experiences and after brainstorming, it was decided that the training would address three areas of training needs. With a focus on appropriate communication, a scenario was created with live actors to simulate various communication concerns and issues that would be faced by transporters.

We assessed their knowledge on policies and processes through a survey before the simulation and then repeated the survey after the session and debriefing done individually and as a group.

The transporters were expected to introduce themselves, perform hand hygiene (the 5 moments of hand hygiene), recognize the different types of delay and when to call dispatch to inform them about delays.

Results:

25 transporters went through this training. There was a significant increase in their awareness and knowledge of communication during transport, after the training. 80% agreed that the training was valuable and that they would like to have similar training on other topics.

Two transporters, at a 2 week follow up, reported that the training heightened their awareness on correct patient identification and were able to mitigate incorrect transport in three patients. They were recognized by management for their timely intervention.

Conclusions:

Customization of simulation scenarios to the training needs of patient transporters contributed positively to patient safety. We recommend this strategy for specific training needs to address pertinent challenges in workspaces. Simulation based training, in this case provided a safe space for open conversation and discussion, allowing transporters to have their opinion listened to and valued. The transporters felt empowered with the information gained and felt that they were able to practically use all the learning. The stories of success further reiterated the value of the training.

References:

Edwards et al (2023) – Simulation Training
https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/simulation-training (accessed on 31^st January 2024)

Biography:

Her 15+ years of experience as an anesthesiologist and simulation instructor are put to use as an education specialist at Hartford Healthcare Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI) where she creates and implements creative and successful learning programs for medical professionals. She is enthusiastic about advocating for sustainability concerns in healthcare, promoting quality and patient safety, and using simulation to advance health professions education.

She also holds certifications as a Simulation Instructor from Penn Medicine, a CMQ from the American College of Medical Quality, a CPHQ from the National Association for Healthcare Quality, and a Certificate in Health Professions Education from the University of Connecticut, in addition to her Fellowship in Healthcare Simulation from Penn State. She is also a certified member of the John Maxwell Team and an instructor for PROMPT, BLS, ACLS, and PALS. She is investigating the potential of AI and VR to enhance patient outcomes and experience. She is a highly driven coach and leader who works to help people to reach their career and personal objectives.

Tags:

Nursing & Health Sciences, Healthcare Simulation, Healthcare, Home Care Nursing Services, Advanced Healthcare, Types of Nursing in Healthcare, Public Health Nursing, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Management, Hospital Management, Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Healthcare Quality, Family Medicine, Child Health Advanced Nursing Practices during Pandemic, Nurse Protection during Pandemics, Oncology Nursing, Cardiac Nursing, Gynacology and Obstetrics Nursing, Nursing Education, Global Healthcare, Family Nursing, Men in Nursing, Nursing Care, Women Health Nursing, Infection Control, Healthcare Quality improvement, Tele Healthcare, Digital Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Healthcare Marketing