From simulation to bedside: enhancing clinicians' preparedness for recognising and responding to acute deterioration

Failure to recognise and respond to patient deterioration is a global patient safety issue. Simulation-based learning may enhance clinicians' preparedness, decision-making, and teamwork during clinical emergencies.

To evaluate clinicians' experience of a simulation-based workshop preparing for recognition and response to acute patient deterioration in hospital settings.

A single-group, post-test, repeated cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted across three metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Australia.

Nurses and medical officers attending mandatory workshops completed the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M) and provided qualitative feedback. Additional questions sought contextual information about participants' training backgrounds in patient deterioration, as well as open-ended feedback on the workshop's strengths and areas for improvement. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were performed.

Among 153 participants, most were nurses attending orientation training. Over 90% agreed that simulation improved confidence and preparedness. Pre-briefing, scenario learning, and debriefing were rated highly. Participants valued hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The ''program effectively enhanced clinical preparedness and confidence. Ensuring completion prerequisites and addressing logistical challenges may further improve outcomes.