Use of Simulation to Train Uncertified Hospital Orderlies in India

In India, orderlies are unlicensed hospital assistants instructed to perform delegated tasks under supervision by a licensed health-care giver. They receive on-the-job training, unlike certified nursing assistants. In this study, we have integrated a simulation session in our hospital orderly training program to promote the safe transfer of patients using a low-fidelity mannequin.

We conducted an interventional study with a mixed methodology in which 280 orderlies were immersed in a simulation session of transferring a mannequin from a bed to either a wheelchair or stretcher. An observer completed a prevalidated 18-item checklist assessing the team's performance on a 3-point global rating scale. Quantitative analysis of the data was done using a Paired t-test of the mean scores of the pre- and posttest. Posttraining, the participants completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Structured interviews with their ward in-charges were conducted 3-month posttraining, and the data were analyzed by thematic coding.

The pre- and posttest scores of team performances for both groups were 33.22 and 45.3, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Posttraining, the session evaluation revealed that 100% of participants strongly agreed (mean score = 5) that the training was beneficial. The structured interviews revealed improvement in communication and patient interaction without much change in other skills. They found that, overall, this simulation-based training promoted the safe transfer of patients.

Improvement in the team performance scores shows the effectiveness of this methodology in ensuring the secure transfer of patients, as well as better teamwork and communication. The results demonstrate that low-fidelity, low-cost simulation can be used effectively to create a formal training program for hospital orderlies.