ately when they're called into action during a real-life emergency.
Show, don't tell
After the MH training and drill debrief, staff are again asked to fill out
the questionnaire to gauge the effectiveness of our training. The
results are clear: Our simulation and task card approach has bolstered
staff's knowledge, confidence and skill on the topic. And we have data
to back that assertion up. Staff were asked to rate their knowledge
and skill on handling an MH emergency before and after our training
using a one-to-five scale. Before training, 84% of staff gave a rating of
less than three; post-training, 100% gave a rating greater than three,
with 70% putting their knowledge and skill at greater than four.
But it's the individual feedback I've received from staff members who
have completed our practice sessions that has me convinced our
approach is working. They've told me they like being able to actually
put their hands on needed supplies and physically perform the
response tasks, instead of sitting through a presentation or watching
an online educational video. If an MH event does take place, our
hands-on training could mean the difference between life and death for
the patient.
OSM
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 9
Ms. Blakeley (julie.blakeley@christushealth.org) is the perioperative coordina-
tor and coordinator of perioperative services at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother
Frances Health System, a regional healthcare provider based in Tyler, Texas.
