Implementation of a Structured Hybrid Training Program to Improve Clinical Skills and Staff Confidence in the Care of Maternal and Neonatal Patients in the Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project

Author

melissa hewittFollow

Defense Date

7-19-2023

Graduation Date

Summer 8-5-2023

Submission Type

DNP Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

School

School of Nursing

Faculty Mentor

Dr Frank Kosnosky

Keywords

Maternal, Neonatal, Simulation, Emergency Department

Abstract

Caring for a pregnant woman or compromised newborn is often a stressful situation for all healthcare workers regardless of their experience or expertise. This stress is only heightened when the patient presents to a unit that may not be comfortable with the situation such as the Emergency Department (ED). Often units such as the ED do not receive adequate training in caring for maternal and neonatal patients. The infrequency of patient interactions coupled with their lack of knowledge can leave staff with decreased levels of confidence. Various research articles recommend that hospitals provide interdisciplinary team training for high acuity low occurrence (HALO) events. A quality improvement project has been conducted in a community ED to determine if the implementation of a hybrid training program focused on maternal and neonatal emergencies improves the skills and confidence of ED staff when caring for these patients. Based on the PDSA Framework for Quality Improvement, a program that combined didactic education and skills stations along with interdisciplinary high fidelity simulation training was developed. Staff knowledge, confidence, teamwork and the effectiveness of simulation as a learning modality were measured using a variety of tools at various intervals throughout the program. This training program showed improvements in all areas measured. In addition, the costs and benefits of this program as well as barriers to implementation and recommendations for future practice have been explored.

Keywords: nursing confidence, maternal, neonatal, simulation training, quality

improvement, emergency department

Language

English

Recommended Citation

hewitt, melissa, "Implementation of a Structured Hybrid Training Program to Improve Clinical Skills and Staff Confidence in the Care of Maternal and Neonatal Patients in the Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts. 43.
https://dsc.duq.edu/dnp/43