1312: Low-Fidelity Simulation-Based Mask Ventilation Skill Drill for Pediatric Critical Care Nurses

Introduction: Bedside nurses are frequently the first responders to airway emergencies. The goal of this project is to assess the feasibility of a short low-fidelity simulation (LFS) session in improving pediatric nursing comfort in performing BMV. Methods: Pediatric critical care and cardiac critical care nurses at a single center, tertiary children’s hospital participated in a 5-minute LFS session during their clinical shifts. Pre- and post- participation surveys on a Likert-type scale were distributed, followed by a 5 minute feedback phase. Participants’ performance was graded on a 13-point scale. We used Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests for data analysis depending on variable type (e.g., binary, ordinal, numeric) using SAS software version 9.4 (Cary, NC). The level of significance was set at.05. Results: Out of 32 pediatric critical care nurses who participated in the LFS sessions, the median Q1, Q3 years of ICU nursing experience was 1.8 0.8, 3.3 and the median frequency of BMV performed per nurse over the last 6 months was 2.0 0, 4.0. Pre-intervention, 22% felt very confident and 47% felt somewhat confident at BMV. Confidence in BMV was correlated with years of ICU nursing experience (rs =.46, p =.0073) and frequency of BMV performed in the last six months (rs =.57, p =.0006). On a 13 point simulation grading scale, the median score among the cohort was 10.0 8.0, 11.5. The lowest scoring skills included: choosing the appropriate sized mask and bag (69%), minimizing pauses on ventilation performance (69%), proper mask hold (50%), and adjusting PEEP (28%). There was a significant increase in nurses’ self-perceived confidence in BMV immediately post-intervention (22% very confident pre vs 53% very confident post, p =.0015). All participants felt that this LFS session improved their ability to perform BMV and is a feasible educational method during clinical shift hours. Conclusions: A single 5-minute LFS session led to perceived improved BMV confidence in nursing participants. LFS is effective and feasible as either a procedural education tool or a skills refresher for both new and experienced nurses during clinical shifts. Grading rubrics can be utilized to identify areas in need of improvement.