3LLF3 - A Multi Simulation-based Learning Experience Intervention Designed to Improve Senior-Level Nursing Students’ ISBAR Communication with Providers Prior to Entry to Practice

Abstract :

Background: Current new nurse graduates are unprepared to communicate with healthcare providers (HCP), which leads to errors causing patient harm. Nursing students lack practice utilizing evidence-based strategies for nurse-to-HCP communication.

Theoretical Framework, Project Description, Target Population, and Setting: To address this education-to-practice gap, faculty at a small midwestern university developed a semester-long simulation-based learning (SBL) intervention. Using the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice and a deliberate practice framework, a series of four medical/surgical SBL experiences for senior-level nursing students were modified to include live screen-based conferencing with HCPs using Identify-Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (ISBAR). The course was offered during the fall semester prior to their preceptorship. There were 85 students divided into simulation groups of 10. During each SBL experience, two students engaged in the nurse role, while the other students were assigned nursing observer roles. During each SBL experience, after identifying a critical change in the patient's condition requiring provider notification, a student moved to the medication room, planned their ISBAR call, and called a volunteer HCP. All students audio-recorded ISBARs after each SBL experience, and faculty provided feedback to support skill development.

Outcome: The mean student competency score increased by 4.95 percent, as rated by Foronda's ISBAR Nurse-to-Physician Communication Rubric. Students’ self-rated confidence in their ability to communicate with HCPs increased by 19.25%.

Discussion: This simulation quality improvement initiative to address the confidence and competence of nursing students' ISBAR communication with HCPs was successful and should be adopted by other academic and new graduate nurse programs.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: Are you hoping to engage your students in ISBAR skills during simulation? Come learn more about how to implement highly realistic student-to-healthcare provider interactions in high-fidelity simulations within your program. We will explain our process of utilizing the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice and a deliberate practice framework to design the experiences.