Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion and therapy administration: simulator learning

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Intravenous access management is a complex nursing skill requiring specialized training.
• Existing literature on simulation for intravenous cannulation is limited and presents conflicting results.
• Effective simulation training is crucial for patient safety and nursing student competency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of simulator-based learning on nursing students' vascular access management skills.
• To compare the effectiveness of simulation versus traditional didactic methods in nursing education.
• To assess the influence of early and consistent simulator use on skill acquisition.

Main Methods:

• A comparative observational study design was employed.
• The study evaluated nursing students' performance in vascular access management.
• Data were collected at baseline (t0) and post-intervention (t1) to assess skill improvement.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in vascular access and management scores were observed post-intervention (t1) between groups (p=0.001).
• Early and consistent simulator use demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect over time (p=0.001).
• Student satisfaction with clinical simulations increased with repeated practice, positively influencing performance.

Conclusions:

• Simulator-based nursing training enhances skill acquisition more effectively than traditional didactic approaches.
• Simulation offers a safe and effective platform for practicing complex procedures like intravenous cannulation.
• Integrating simulation into nursing curricula is vital for developing proficient and confident healthcare professionals.