Nurse Practitioner/Senior Instructor University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Hematology
BACKGROUND Advanced practice providers (APPs) who deliver care for patients with hematologic malignancies perform bone marrow aspiration and biopsies (BMBX) and lumbar punctures (LP) as part of diagnostic assessments and for the administration of intrathecal chemotherapy. Procedures are often taught through observational training methods which can lead to inconsistencies.
PROBLEM The purpose of this project was to pilot an evidence-based procedures workshop to train new hire APPs during their orientation through the use of instructional design with educational curriculum and task trainers. The project aimed to increase APP self-reported confidence and to collect participant feedback.
METHODS Workshops took place during the seventh week of the twelve-week orientation. Pre- and post-program surveys were utilized to collect baseline data on procedural knowledge, overall self-reported confidence, and feedback. Each program was delivered over four hours and included educational PowerPoints followed by five breakout sessions: BMBX kit review, LP kit review, specimen collection procedure, and simulation of each procedure. Surveys were compared through descriptive and statistical analysis.
RESULTS On qualitative surveys, 100% of participants reported the Procedure Workshop enhanced their understanding and overall confidence to perform LP and BMBX procedures.
CONCLUSIONS Exposure to invasive bedside procedures such as BMBX and LP through the use of simulators can increase APP confidence prior to first live patient experiences. The use of simulators is cost effective and more sustainable as compared to use of cadavers.
IMPLICATIONS: This single institution pilot project displayed that the use of simulation with task trainers is beneficial when paired with instructional design. Simulation training specific for APPs is beneficial, cost-effective, and can be replicated within other institutions where APPs perform BMBX and LPs.
