Evidence-Based Competency Training Program for Blood Product Administration

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Skills Training
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Military healthcare demands proficiency in managing traumatic injuries, including blood product administration.
• Infrequent practice in non-deployed settings leads to diminished nursing competency in critical skills like blood transfusions.
• Maintaining proficiency in low-volume, high-risk procedures is a significant challenge for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate methods for maintaining nursing competency in infrequently performed skills, specifically blood product administration.
• To implement and evaluate an evidence-based practice change focused on blood product administration skills.
• To assess the impact of a blended education program on nursing knowledge, skill performance, and confidence.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review and critical appraisal were conducted to identify best practices.
• An evidence-based practice change was implemented, utilizing a blended education approach: lecture, hands-on simulation, and computer-based training.
• Knowledge tests, objective/subjective skill assessments, and training satisfaction surveys were used to measure outcomes in both inpatient and outpatient nurses.

Main Results:

• The blended education program led to a 13% improvement in skill performance and a 7% increase in self-competence scores.
• Nurses in outpatient settings showed a greater improvement in performance scores (18.4%) compared to inpatient nurses (9.4%).
• Simulation completion time decreased by 8.3 minutes, and the training program achieved a 90% satisfaction rating, with nurses meeting knowledge standards (≥90%).

Conclusions:

• Blended education programs effectively enhance clinical skill performance and confidence in critical interventions.
• Simulation provides a safe and effective environment for nurses to practice and prepare for managing rare but critical patient care emergencies.
• This approach is vital for ensuring nursing readiness and competence in essential, infrequently utilized clinical procedures.