Prepare for the Rare: Innovation Simulation for Managing Abdominal Wall Defects.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Surgical neonatology
• Medical simulation

Background:

• Abdominal wall defects, including gastroschisis and omphalocele, are rare congenital anomalies.
• Infrequent occurrence poses challenges for healthcare professionals, particularly novice nurses, in maintaining clinical proficiency.
• A Level III NICU anticipated receiving multiple infants with these defects, necessitating specialized preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative, interactive learning experience for NICU nurses.
• To provide both didactic review and hands-on education for managing gastroschisis and omphalocele.
• To enhance nurse confidence and competence in caring for infants with abdominal wall defects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-fidelity infant mannequins and moulage for realistic simulation.
• Developed clinical scenarios mirroring potential complications of gastroschisis and omphalocele.
• Conducted multiple simulation sessions for NICU nurses, covering emergency equipment, maneuvers, and interventions.

Main Results:

• 51 NICU nurses participated in the simulation training.
• Nurses reported a significant increase in comfort levels when caring for infants with these defects.
• Participants expressed greater readiness to manage complex neonatal surgical cases.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based education is an effective strategy for preparing NICU nurses for rare neonatal surgical conditions.
• Hands-on training improves nurse confidence and preparedness for managing gastroschisis and omphalocele.
• Innovative simulation methods can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in specialized neonatal care.