Simulation-Based Mastery Learning Improves Central Line Maintenance Skills of ICU Nurses

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Central line maintenance is critical for preventing infections in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Variability exists in nurses' proficiency with central line care procedures.
• Standardized training is needed to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum.
• To improve central line maintenance and care skills among ICU nurses.
• To evaluate the impact of SBML on nursing competency.

Main Methods:

• An SBML curriculum was implemented, covering five central line tasks.
• Participants completed pretests and posttests to measure skill acquisition.
• Deliberate practice with feedback was a core component of the training.

Main Results:

• Pretest scores showed significant variability, with pass rates ranging from 49% to 90%.
• Posttest median scores for all tasks improved to 100.0%.
• Years of nursing experience negatively correlated with initial medication administration performance.

Conclusions:

• ICU nurses exhibit diverse skill levels in central line maintenance.
• SBML training led to significant improvements in all nurses' abilities.
• The SBML curriculum successfully elevated all participants to a predetermined competency level.