Simulation-based training to support healthcare staff in the management of hypoglycaemia

Published Date: 26th June 2019

Publication Authors: Cardwell J, Furlong NJ, Hart A, Lloyd M, Michaels S, Rowson M

Aims

To evaluate the use of multiprofessional high‐fidelity simulation to educate nurses and healthcare assistants on the management of hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Methods

A simulation‐based training event was developed by a multidisciplinary team. Nurses and healthcare assistants on two hospital wards were invited to participate. Effectiveness of the simulation on understanding of the management of hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was measured using 10 pre‐ and post‐test multiple choice questions. Self‐administered surveys, using a 5‐point Likert scale, were distributed to all participants to evaluate their views of the simulation training.

All data was entered into a database and analysed descriptively for agreement scores with paired t‐tests used to explore change in test scores.

Results

Fifteen participants (12 nurses, 3 healthcare assistants) completed the course. Pre‐test, mean scores were 4.6 ± 1.88. Post‐test, mean scores were 7.33 ± 1.45, an improvement of 2.73(CI 1.72–3.75) t(14) = 5.78, p < 0.0001.

In general, all participants agreed that the training was valuable and enhanced their understanding of the management of hypoglycaemia and DKA. Participants agreed that they felt more prepared to manage the situations and would apply what they have learnt in practice. They agreed that their learning would benefit their patients and that they would recommend the course to colleagues.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary diabetes simulation training event is valued and can improve the knowledge of healthcare staff on the management of hypoglycaemia and DKA. Future studies are required to determine feasibility of the programme and any potential impact on the management and incidence of these diabetic emergencies.

Rowson, M; Lloyd, M; Michaels, S; Cardwell, J; Hart, A; Furlong, N. (2019). Application of multiprofessional simulation-based training to support healthcare staff in the management of hypoglycaemia . Diabetic Medicine. 36 (S1), 30-31

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