Pediatric Airway Management to Improve Competence and Self-Efficacy in PACU Nurses

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Shannon Ann Majors (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Christine Kress

Abstract: Background: Caring for pediatric patients during the perioperative period poses unique challenges. Pediatric patients require specialized care, particularly in airway management, to prevent perioperative respiratory complications and adverse events. Focused expertise through targeted educational experiences in pediatric airway management is crucial in mitigating these risks and improving patient care. Many Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurses (RNs) lack the exposure needed caring for critically ill pediatric patients to build competence and self-efficacy in managing this special population; however, they are crucial as first responders in recognizing and managing pediatric airway-related issues to ensure positive patient outcomes.Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to alleviate stress and enhance competence and self-efficacy in managing pediatric airways in the PACU setting. Targeted, low-fidelity, deliberate, hands-on practice and educational presentation were used to improve PACU RNs' perceived competence and self-efficacy in pediatric airway management. Improved competence and self-efficacy may improve the care experience for all involved, and reduce the risk of perioperative pediatric respiratory complications and adverse events.Methods: A pre-test was completed via Qualtrics to collect demographic information and assess participant competence and self-efficacy prior to a simulation enhanced educational intervention. The PACU setting was used to conduct the intervention with the nurse participants (n=28). The intervention included a one hour PowerPoint presentation and a two hour hands-on mannequin simulation. Following the educational intervention and a three week wash-out period, a posttest was administered via Qualtrics to assess for improvement in perceived competence and self-efficacy. A paired t-test was used to evaluate participant perceived competence and self-efficacy pre-intervention versus post-intervention.Results: The data demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.5) increase in both perceived competence and self-efficacy regarding pediatric airway management. The perceived competence scores increased by 20% with a pretest mean of 4.0 and posttest mean of 4.8 on a 5-point Likert scale. The perceived self-efficacy scores increased by 26% with a pretest mean of 3.8 and posttest mean 4.8 on a 5-point Likert scale.Conclusion and Recommendations: Low-fidelity simulation coupled with didactic education has the potential to increase safety, improve clinical judgement, and is useful for teaching clinical, as well as non-technical skills. The use of a simulation enhanced educational intervention on pediatric airway management for PACU RNs has been shown to improve perceived competence and self-efficacy. Education and simulation should be incorporated into annual training and new employee orientation in the post anesthesia recovery unit.

Pediatric Airway Management to Improve Competence and Self-Efficacy in PACU Nurses
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Created on 6/20/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2023

Keywords

pediatric, airway management, nursing, education, low-fidelity, simulation, deliberate practice, post anesthesia care unit, PACU, perceived competence, self-efficacy, respiratory adverse event, respiratory complication

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