Evaluating Procedure Videos to Support Clinical Nurses With Rare Procedures: Impact on Anxiety and Clinical Reasoning in a Pre-Post Study.

Abstract

AIMS To evaluate clinical nurses' perceptions and acceptability of procedure videos developed to support them during rare clinical procedures. In addition, a secondary aim was to investigate whether these videos reduce anxiety and enhance clinical reasoning. DESIGN A descriptive multi-methods study within a pre-post-implementation evaluation design. METHODS Seven locally developed procedure videos (non-invasive ventilation (n = 2), temporary cardiac pacing (n = 3) and pericardiocentesis (n = 2)) were evaluated using questionnaires before and after a 6-month implementation period at a local health district in Australia. Participants self-rated their clinical reasoning skills in response to video procedures, mapped against the Clinical Reasoning cycle stages. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) assessed anxiety towards rare procedures. Data from open-ended questions were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS A total of 247 participants completed the pre-implementation questionnaire, and 133 completed the post-implementation questionnaire. Before implementation, many reported feeling heightened anxiety when faced with rare or infrequent procedures, reporting levels that exceeded commonly accepted clinical thresholds for concern. Content analysis revealed persistent concerns among participants, including the need for support during new procedures and a fear of making errors. Before implementation, participants reported searching online for videos to support undertaking new procedures. Following implementation, most participants reported that viewing the videos enhanced their learning experience and improved their clinical reasoning. Perceived anxiety towards undertaking rare procedures was not significantly different from post-implementation. CONCLUSION This study highlights the need for timely support during infrequent clinical procedures, as participants reported anxiety about them. It also demonstrates that procedure videos are valued tools for nurses before rare clinical procedures. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Rare procedures are linked to nurse anxiety and mixed emotions, some of which may be eustress. Organisations can enhance clinical resources for nursing staff by providing online videos tailored to local practices and context, which many nurses find helpful for improving clinical reasoning when undertaking rare procedures. IMPACT This study highlights the anxiety nurses experience before rare procedures and the significance of incorporating multimedia resources, especially online videos, in nursing professional development for rarely performed procedures. Additionally, it informs employers about nursing staff preferences. REPORTING METHOD SQUIRE 2.0 reporting was adhered to. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION None.