Multisite Single-Blinded Randomized Control Study of Transfer and Retention of Knowledge and Skill Between Nurses...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Education
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Obstetric nurses require proficiency in basic neurologic examinations for patient assessment.
• Evaluating effective methods for teaching neurologic examination skills to practicing nurses is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare knowledge and skill acquisition for basic neurologic examinations between obstetric nurses trained via simulation versus online self-study.
• To assess short- and long-term knowledge retention and skill transfer in both educational groups.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing simulation-based training with an online self-study module for obstetric nurses.
• Assessment at baseline, within 7 days, and at 2 months using a validated neurologic knowledge assessment and a performance skill checklist.
• Direct observation and standardized instrument completion by an observer for skill evaluation.

Main Results:

• Nurses in the simulation group showed significantly higher short-term and long-term skill performance compared to the online self-study group (P < 0.001).
• Knowledge assessment scores were similar between the simulation and online self-study groups at both short-term and long-term follow-ups (P = 0.86 and P = 0.59, respectively).
• The study demonstrated greater skill transfer in practicing nurses who underwent simulation education.

Conclusions:

• Simulation education leads to superior skill transfer in practicing obstetric nurses compared to online self-study modules.
• No significant differences were found in short- and long-term knowledge acquisition between the two educational methods.
• Further research is needed to optimize simulation-based education timing for sustained knowledge and skill retention.