Renae Lynn Dougal
Idaho State University, USA
Title: Improving nursing attention and compliance using simulated error experiences
Biography
Biography: Renae Lynn Dougal
Abstract
Providers anecdotally report greater sensitivity to risks following personal experience with errors or preventable adverse events (AEs). Research indicates the greater the perceived consequences associated with a missed event, the higher the likelihood the event will be detected. We sought to evaluate the impact of different characteristics of error situation simulations on perception of risk amongst nursing students and Registered Nurses (RNs). Nine-simulation scenarios using mixed methods were designed to demonstrate human fallibility with routine tasks. Presentation factors varied for adult and pediatric patients, type of and number of embedded errors. Post-simulation qualitative discussions identified factors that may influence whether the simulation experience provided a lasting impact on patient safety risk perception attitudes and behaviors. Participants were surveyed post-simulation regarding perceived realism and changes in attitudes regarding error likelihood, prevention behaviors and consequences. For those scenarios completed, 27% were team effort, 73% were carried out alone. Survey responses regarding memorability of the experience, reflected mean scores of 7.2 to 8.3 on a scale of 1-10. Realism and attitudes towards potential risk were measured. Most participants failed to identify and appropriately manage at least one embedded error. In post-simulation debriefings, participants believed completing two scenarios added to the impact of the experience. Participants perceived value in reading real-life stories of errors along with simulations. Findings showed it did not appear to impact the participants’ perception of the experience if they had been told there were embedded errors. It is recommended using periodic errors in simulations to maintain awareness of risk for students and RNs.