Advancing spinal care excellence: A specialized training series for trauma nurse practitioners

Trauma nurse practitioners (TNPs) play an essential role in trauma and orthopaedic care domains. Their contributions extend beyond the mere provision of patient care; they also serve to mitigate physician shortages. TNPs deliver comprehensive post- and pre-operative care and assist patients in their healing process, from the initial stages following fractures through to the various stages of treatment. This study focuses on developing a teaching series to improve their knowledge and skills in managing spine trauma. Materials and methods: We developed a structured educational program integrating theoretical instruction, interactive workshops, and practical sessions. The curriculum encompasses spinal anatomy, injury assessment, radiological imaging, and management strategies. Following these sessions, we gathered feedback through surveys to evaluate participants' confidence, knowledge enhancement, and overall satisfaction.

A thorough statistical analysis of the collected surveys revealed a significant enhancement in TNP confidence, as indicated by a P value of 7.45 × 10^-9, thus confirming the effectiveness of the training program. Approximately 82 % of respondents reported a considerable increase in their knowledge, while 85 % indicated that the outcomes of these sessions met their expectations. Furthermore, a substantial majority of participants, 96 %, expressed a desire for additional education and training.

The educational series has enhanced the confidence and expertise of Trauma Nurse Practitioners (TNPs) in managing spinal trauma. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing structured training programs to maximise TNPs' contributions, improve patient care, and reduce the burden on orthopaedic surgeons. Future research may investigate the long-term impacts, broaden training, and incorporate additional topics. Ultimately, this underscores the significance of continuous education for orthopaedic nursing.