Going Beyond The Sim Lab with Just in Time Training
The World Health Organization started the Priority Medical Devices (PMD) project in 2007 to ensure the effectivity of medical devices when it comes to patient care. The campaign also aims to identify issues related to medical devices and recommend applicable resolutions to such concerns. While the program was requested by the Netherlands, its scope is applicable in the global healthcare industry.
“The World Health Organization started the Priority Medical Devices (PMD) project in 2007 to ensure the effectivity of medical devices when it comes to patient care.”
Innovations in technology have definitely improved patient care, medication administration, and ability to treat previously incurable diseases. However, the complicated nature of these new medical devices has lead to errors which may hinder a patient’s recovery, or even cause death. Staff members responsible for these mistakes may, in turn, be reprimanded, suspended, or even terminated. In some instances, the staff members, immediate supervisor, and the hospital itself may be sued for medical malpractice or other applicable grounds which merit a lawsuit.
Device Dilemma
Design, functionality and programming problems in devices also may cause problems. This is why the FDA partners with organizations like MedSun or the Medical Product Safety Network in order to address device-related errors. Affiliated hospitals collect reports related to medical equipment. These are then relayed to concerned manufacturers. Repeat offense warrants sanctions or even the possible pull out of a device/product from the market.
Factors which make medical devices ideal include reliability, efficiency, safety, functionality and ergonomic design.
The Importance of Training
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that about 9% of medical device errors are due to incorrect usage. This is why it is imperative for all hospital personnel, including nurses, to be properly trained to operate critical medical devices. However, the effectiveness of traditional training has been repeatedly called into question in recent years. Research shows that most introductory training sessions merely cover an overview of a device- including purpose, function, and operational concept. Such sessions don’t automatically translate to learning, which is why most nurses seek assistance from other staff member for practical usage of a new device or one that’s not regularly utilized.
“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that about 9% of medical device errors were due to incorrect usage.This is why training is very important when it comes to handling equipment used for patients.”
Errors are committed not only due to insufficient training. Nurses are also bound to make mistakes due to stress when using a completely alien concept (the device).
Simulation Based Training (SBT)
One of today’s methods for introducing new medical devices include Simulation Based Training or SBT. It is essential for patient safety, particularly for critical processes including obstetrics, administering anesthesia and participating in surgical operations. While reading materials may come in handy, textbook knowledge is best reinforced through actual participation, or at least in a simulated learning environment where a student (or employee) physically watches and experiences how concepts are practically applied.
Other than patient safety, SBT also enhances teamwork. Team members participate, interact, and coordinate with other participants in order to resolve medical concerns in the simulated environment.
Benefits of Simulation-Based Training
SBT stands out against traditional learning methods due to the following reasons:
- Specific Scenarios. You can specify details – skills, tasks, clinical findings, signs/symptoms, sequencing of actions, props, and so on.
- Expected Outcome. The objectives are similarly clear and specified.
- Performance Measurement. There are methods used to assess the team and all participants. Metrics may include actions performed, sequencing, and mannequin outcome. Further discussion can also include feedback for everyone before, during and after the session.
Just-in-Time Training
Just-in-time training (JITT) uses microlearning videos to enhance the learning experience as well. Videos can be played prior to performing a medical procedure or operating a device.
Second Life
Second Life (SL) is comparable to SBT, except that the simulation is based on a virtual world. The concept can also be incorporated with JITT. In this case, an SL can be used instead of a plain instructional microlearning video. The video will feature instructions beyond the usual “how-tos” by letting the user experience how the process works or how an equipment is operated through virtual reality.
SL has limitations though. A virtual environment which allows all participants (instructors, virtual tutors and students) to interact freely is needed. It’s not possible to use SL in high traffic areas. It has to be free from distraction and interruption since the virtual world will still exist within a physical location.
“Some training methods include Simulation Based Training (SBT), Second Life (SL) and Just-in-time training (JITT). JITT can enhance or even replace both SBT and SL.”
JITT vs. SIM Lab
SIM lab is actually an effective tool for training nurses and other medical staff. However, it’s almost identical to the traditional method of instruction, which involves a seminar room (audio/visual). The only difference is the practical experience included in a SIM lab.
It’s not applicable for every scenario, though. There is also a question of retention. Low-use hospital devices and rare medical procedures require a refresher right at the point of care. This is where JITT comes in.
JITT enables instant access to micro learning videos, which can be viewed by scanning a code through the nurse’s smartphone. This helps staff members recall how a piece of equipment functions, or how a process works, right before the task is performed.
TINE Health
TINE Health provides affordable JITT solutions for training nurses in hospitals. We create personalized microlearning videos, specifically designed for your medical staff needs. The videos are accessible right when they’re needed – before performing critical tasks.
Applying this JITT concept to your hospital training saves money, increases productivity for staff and improves patient care by reducing (or potentially eliminating) errors.
Schedule a demo today to find out how your hospital can benefit from this innovative technology!
Article Sources:
- World Health Organization
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/70455/1/WHO_HSS_EHT_DIM_10.4_eng.pdf - Crico Forum by Harvard
https://www.rmf.harvard.edu/Clinician-Resources/Article/2008/December-2008-Forum-Simulation-based-Team-Training - IEMN IAE (Public university in Nantes, France)
http://j.pelet.free.fr/publications/virtualworlds/Using%20Second%20Life%20for%20Just-in-Time%20Training%20Building%20Teaching%20Frameworks%20in%20Virtual%20Worlds.pdf
