Development and Validation of Simulation-Based Procedural Checklists for Evaluation of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner...

Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) procedural competence is essential. Procedural simulation provides opportunity to practice high-risk, low-frequency procedures and helps improve skill retention. A formal procedural simulation experience was created in an attempt to provide sufficient experience for NNPs. While preparing for the simulation experience, the group recognized the lack of validated competency metrics for most neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) procedures.

The purpose of this study was to create and validate procedural checklists measuring competence of NNPs participating in simulated performance of 9 high-risk NICU procedures.

IRB approval was obtained and NNPs agreed to data collection. A self and peer assessment tool was developed and distributed to NNPs, nurses, and neonatologists to gather a baseline perception of procedural competency. Procedural checklists were then developed to measure/assess individual skills against a standard. Benchmark videos were created to demonstrate the standard approach to procedural performance. Each procedural skill performed by the NNP participant was scored by 3 individual evaluators: once in real time and twice by video recording analysis.

A Cronbach α was used to measure the reliability and validity of the procedural checklists. Comparison was made between live grading and video-based grading scores using analysis of variance. Difference between grading modalities was less than 3% and nonsignificant for 8 of 9 procedures. No significant difference was found between individual graders for any of the skills being evaluated and suggested high interrater reliability of the checklists.

Objective, standardized procedural checklists are valid tools to evaluate NNP procedural skills in simulation. Procedural simulation experiences help strengthen skills, improve performance, and possibly improve patient outcomes.