Simulation in Anaesthetic Nursing- A Safe Space

Oral Presentation 6
Mrs Oonagh McCloy, Mrs Daphne Martin, Mrs Nimmy John

Simulation in Anaesthetic Nursing- A Safe Space

Simulated practice experience was fundamental to the curriculum planning process for the CPAD short course in anaesthetic nursing. The AAGBI (2018) indicate that there must be dedicated assistance to the anaesthetist and the practitioner must be educated to a national standard. At QUB, this programme meets these standards. The three module, 60 credit course allows registered nurses to study theory, and practice their knowledge and skills in anaesthetic nursing, enabling them to be competent anaesthetic assistants. In fulfilling the delivery of content, simulation provides the opportunity to practice new skills and demonstrate knowledge and understanding in a safe environment (Coyle, Martin & McCutcheon, 2020).

Using INACSL Simulation Standards of Best Practice (2021) to design the simulation scenarios, they meet the programmatic goals and provide an effective simulation-based experience for the students.

Students engage in role-play and high-fidelity simulation for anaesthetic clinical situations, whereby they ensure the theatre environment is prepared for anaesthetic procedures and emergencies that can occur in this area of practice, e.g. Trauma, Local Anaesthetic Toxicity, Bronchospasm and Laryngospasm. Within the theatre environment, the ways to identify some emergencies are not as evident as in other settings with awake patients, and so these simulated experiences build on both the technical skills and non-technical skills related to human factors required to manage such events (Coyle, Martin & McCutcheon, 2020). There is also a focus on airway management of adult and paediatric patients and care and management of patients with high BMI.

To ensure the simulated experiences are acknowledged for their relevance and importance, the exposure is reflected upon in two written accounts, an exam, OSCLER and are directly linked to their clinical skills portfolio. This assessment approach allows for a connected learning experience and application of University learning into clinical practice.

We have recently identified an area of interdisciplinary teaching with our midwifery colleagues that would benefit from simulation. Our next step is to carry out simulated emergency experiences with our post graduate anaesthetic nursing students and post graduate midwifery students. Utilising the CAVE, a highly immersive virtual environment, we aim to create the obstetric theatre environment to enhance the immersive simulated experience and help our students gain confidence and competence in all aspects of care in these emergency situations in a safe environment.