Design and evaluation of an interactive training system for scrub nurses

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Perioperative Nursing Education

Background:

• Increasing technological integration in ORs demands higher nurse training.
• Simulation is common in surgical training but lacking for perioperative nursing, especially scrub roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate an interactive OR environment simulation for scrub nurse training.
• To assess the system's suitability for novice scrub nurses.

Main Methods:

• Developed a client-server system simulating a scrub nurse's workplace with interactive tables and touchscreens.
• Evaluated the system in laboratory conditions via multicenter interviews with 15 experienced scrub nurses from German and Swiss ENT departments.

Main Results:

• The simulation system received highly positive feedback from participants.
• Nurses identified instrument familiarization and instrument table setup as key learning areas for beginners.
• The system proved useful for acquiring both technical and non-technical skills.

Conclusions:

• Interactive simulation offers a novel approach for training novice scrub nurses in OR instrument management.
• The system can enhance lifelong training for perioperative staff, improving patient safety.
• This unique, discipline-independent system trains crucial technical and non-technical skills.