A Comprehensive Bone Marrow Aspirate and Biopsy Educational Program Utilizing Task Trainers

Advanced practice providers (APPs) who care for patients with hematologic malignancies perform bone marrow aspiration and biopsies (BMBXs). Invasive bedside procedures are often taught through the observational training method, which can lead to inconsistencies.

The purpose of this project was to create and evaluate a standardized educational curriculum incorporating simulation with a task trainer for bone marrow transplant (BMT) APPs. The project aimed to reduce BMBX incident reporting events, improve BMBX knowledge, and increase APP self-reported confidence.

Pre- and post-test surveys were utilized for knowledge assessment of BMBX procedures and specimen allocation. Program delivery occurred on five occasions to accommodate the needs of the team. Each program was delivered over 3 hours and included an educational Microsoft PowerPoint and three breakout sessions: BMBX kit review; simulation on task trainer; and review of BMBX specimen collection procedures. Knowledge assessment surveys were compared through descriptive and statistical analysis.

BMBX incident reporting events decreased from 1.92 events per month pre-implementation to 1.2 events per month post-implementation. Overall, BMBX knowledge increased from 41.02% on pre-test surveys to 65.72% on post-test surveys. Participant self-reported confidence improved by a mean difference of -1.85 based on a 5-point Likert scale, t(12) = -1.85 (p ≤ .0001, 95% confidence interval = -2.49 to -1.2).

This project suggests that the use of simulation with task trainers is beneficial when paired with a standardized educational curriculum. Simulation training for APPs who perform BMBX improves procedural knowledge, increases self-reported confidence, and can reduce incident reporting events.