Effectiveness of Simulation Based Instruction on Competencies of Nurses regarding Infection Control Practices

Abstract

A study to assess the effectiveness of Simulation Based Instruction (SBI) on Competencies of Nurses regarding Infection Control Practices (ICP). The present study was conducted to establish the effect of simulation in enhancing the competencies of nurses on ICP. OBJECTIVE: 1. To assess the level of competencies of nurses on Infection Control Practices (ICP). METHODS: The conceptual framework of the present study was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). In this study, a quantitative research approach, Time-series, non randomized control group design was adopted for assessing the competencies of nurses on ICP among nurses working in the study setting. MAJOR FINDINGS: Majority of the nurses, belonged to the age group of 20-29 yrs (89.5%) in control group and (81.0%) in experimental group. With regard to gender of nurses, majority were females, (100.0%) in control group and (91.4%) in experimental group. All the nurses were employed as registered nurses in hospitals. With regard to qualification of nurses, majority (64.8% and 63.8%) were GNM trained in control and experimental group respectively. CONCLUSION: The study recommends simulation as a method for enhancing the competencies of nurses on ICP. Simulation training will improve the nurse s competence on specific skills and mastery of skills will increase with the work efficiency of nurses. Practice of ICP in the simulated setting will help to translate the theoretical concepts to actual practice, thereby the gap between the theory and practice in nursing can be reduced to a greater extent. SBI the intervention in the present study was effective in enhancing the competencies of nurses on ICP. SBI has enhanced the cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies of nurses in all aspects of ICP such as the VAP, CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI prevention care bundles, hand hygiene, prevention of NSI and BMW management. SIM based training on ICP is a needed strategy for enhancing nurse s competencies in medical-surgical units, ICU, OT, ER and specialty areas.