Medication safety simulation training for anesthesia professionals

Abstract

Background

Medication errors in anaesthesia occur at alarming rates and can increase perioperative morbidity and mortality. Standardized nurse anaesthesiology curricula for medication preparation and administration do not exist; rather, most nurse anaesthesia programs rely on the trainee's former critical care nursing experience.

Methods

This research study utilized low-fidelity simulation-based education to provide education and hands-on skills practice in single dilution, double-dilution, and reconstitution of common aesthetic medications. Participants self-assessed medication safety knowledge and confidence presimulation, post simulation, and three weeks post simulation. A simulation checklist assessed participant performance of medication preparation tasks.

Results

Participants demonstrated confidence and competence in single-dilution and reconstitution activities. However, early-program simulation improved participant performance and confidence in double-dilution and medication calculations. Confidence remained improved over the 3-week postsimulation period.

Conclusions

Low-fidelity simulation is a simple, cost-effective method to improve anaesthesia trainee confidence and knowledge in advanced medication preparation skills.