A comparative study of video lecture versus video lecture and high fidelity simulation for training nurses on the delivery of targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION

Targeted temperature management (TTM) is recommended for cardiac arrest patients. Successful implementation of a TTM protocol depends on the nurses' knowledge and skills. The study's aim was to compare the level of knowledge, psychomotor skills, confidence and satisfaction before, immediately after and at 6 weeks after training nurses on the delivery of TTM with video lecture versus video lecture and high fidelity simulation.

METHOD: Demographic variables were compared across treatment groups using t-tests and Chi-square tests. Change over 6 weeks after intervention was tested with mixed effects model.

RESULTS

Fifty-two registered nurses were enrolled. Knowledge test scores, the primary outcome, did not differ between the groups immediately after the training (beta = 3.80, SE = 3.47, p = .27), but there was a strong trend 6 weeks after the training in favor of simulation (beta = 7.93, SE = 3.88, p = .04). Skills were significantly better immediately after the training in the simulation group, but no different 6 weeks later. No difference in confidence was found at either post-test point. Simulation-trained nurses were more satisfied with their training at both post-testing points.

CONCLUSION

In this study of training approaches to TTM after cardiac arrest, nurses trained with video lecture and high fidelity simulation benefitted from this approach by maintaining their TTM knowledge longer.