78 Safer catheter care: using simulation to reduce avoidable harm in patients with catheters. (17th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDonnell, M; Laws-Chapman, C; Lavelle, M
• Is Part Of: BMJ simulation & technology enhanced learning. Volume 2(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A50
• Page End: A50
• Publication Date: 2016-11-17
• Subjects: Medicine -- Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Medical innovations -- Periodicals; 610.113
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjstel-2016-000158.129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6697

Abstract

Abstract : Safer catheter care is a focus for quality improvement in healthcare. Catheter associated urinary tract infections are a major cause of bacteraemia and are often avoidable. The Safer Catheter Care course was designed to increase knowledge of catheter care and support a pan-London catheter care improvement programme in collaboration with the Health Innovation Network South London. Methodology: A half-day simulation course consisting of a catheter knowledge workshop and two clinical scenarios, adaptable to hospital or community settings. The scenarios are followed by a structured debrief. Objectives are to improve knowledge of safer catheter care, raise awareness of the catheter passport document, and to relate practice to non-technical skills. Results: A significant increase in self-reported knowledge and confidence in catheter care (p 0.03, 0.05 respectively) was found. Self-efficacy also increased, however not significantly. Qualitative information reported by learners suggest learning themes around non-technical skills and catheter care. Follow-up questionnaires to participants are currently being circulated to examine sustained learning. Potential impact: The course was designed to support a quality improvement and patient safety initiative and has led to significant increases in self-reported knowledge and confidence. Evaluation comments identified a misconception amongst learners that the course would cover catheter insertion, and showed a varied level of experience in caring for catheters. The advert was redesigned making the course aims explicit, with the course structure changed to include a catheter care workshop. These factors may have contributed to changes in self-efficacy being non-significant. The course design, covering a half-day session, may also have an impact. This short format could present learners with an opportunity to explore their limitations without providing the time to practice and apply identified non-technical skills. A possible future design for the course is therefore in extending the format and increasing learning opportunities within simulated scenarios and debriefs.