Development of a self-instructional program on pressure-controlled ventilators

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Respiratory Therapy

Background:

• Effective training is crucial for healthcare staff operating complex medical equipment.
• Pressure-controlled ventilators require specialized knowledge for correct application and malfunction management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a comprehensive training program for staff on pressure-controlled ventilators.
• To assess the efficacy of a self-instructional approach supplemented with practical training.

Main Methods:

• Program development included instructional design, material creation (slide sets, audiotapes, workbooks, apparatus), and practical application.
• Training involved self-instructional modules, demonstrations, supervised practice, and recovery room experience.

Main Results:

• Faculty teaching time was reduced by 50% compared to traditional lectures.
• Student performance improved after completing the self-instructional components.
• Faculty reported more satisfying teaching experiences.

Conclusions:

• A blended learning approach, combining self-instructional materials with practical, supervised experience, is effective for training staff on pressure-controlled ventilators.
• Supplementing self-instructional materials with demonstrations and practice is essential for optimal learning outcomes.