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Improving bariatric patient transport and care with simulation.
Brad D Gable1, Aimee K Gardner2, Dan H Celik3
1Summa Akron City Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron, Ohio ; Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 28, 2014
Summary
Simulation training significantly improves paramedics' knowledge and confidence in managing and transporting bariatric patients. This 3-hour educational course is effective regardless of prior experience, enhancing pre-hospital care for obese individuals.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Medical Simulation
- Bariatric Patient Care
Background:
- Obesity is a prevalent health issue in the United States, presenting unique challenges for pre-hospital care due to physiologic differences in bariatric patients.
- Specialized equipment, skills, and knowledge are required for the transport and maintenance of bariatric patients.
- Limited research exists on simulation-based education for pre-hospital providers in bariatric patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-hour educational course incorporating simulation in enhancing paramedics' knowledge and confidence in bariatric patient procedures and transport.
- To determine if prior experience with bariatric transport influences the outcomes of the simulation-based training.
Main Methods:
- A pre- and post-test design was employed during paramedic training sessions to assess knowledge and confidence.
- The educational intervention included a 30-minute didactic session and two 20-minute hands-on skills stations focusing on bariatric patient care.
- Participants engaged in simulated emergent medical and trauma scenarios involving extrication and transport of bariatric patients, followed by immediate debriefing.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in participants' confidence in performing procedures (p<0.01) and knowledge of bariatric patient management (p<0.001) was observed post-simulation.
- The training led to significant improvements in knowledge related to bariatric patient transport, vascular access/circulation, and airway management (p<0.001).
- Prior experience with bariatric transport did not significantly affect the training outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Simulation-based education, combined with didactic instruction, is an effective strategy for training paramedics in the pre-hospital care of bariatric patients.
- A 3-hour training session demonstrably improves paramedics' knowledge and confidence, irrespective of their previous experience.
- This study represents the first investigation into the application of simulation training for the pre-hospital management of bariatric patients.
