Rescuing A Patient In Deteriorating Situations (RAPIDS): A simulation-based educational program on recognizing, responding and reporting of physiological signs of deterioration

Aim: To describe the development, implementation and evaluation of an undergraduate nursing simulation program for developing nursing students' competency in assessing, managing and reporting of patients with physiological deterioration. Method: A full-scale simulation program was developed and implemented in a pre-registered nursing curriculum. A randomized controlled study was performed with 31 third year nursing students. After a baseline evaluation of all participants in a simulated environment, the intervention group underwent four simulation scenarios in a 6 h education session. All participants were then re-tested. The baseline and post-test simulation performances were scored using a validated tool. The students completed a survey to evaluate their learning experiences. Results: The clinical performances mean scores for assessment and management of deteriorating patients improved significantly after the training program compared to baseline scores (t = 9.26; p < 0.0001) and to post-test mean scores of the control group (F = 77.28; p < 0.0001). The post-test mean scores of the intervention group in reporting deterioration was significantly higher than the baseline mean scores (t = 4.24; p < 0.01) and the post-test means scores of the control group (F = 8.98; p < 0.01). The participants were satisfied with their simulation experiences, rated positively on features of the simulation and valued the program in developing their self-confidence. Conclusion: The nursing students' competency in assessing, managing and reporting of deteriorating patient can be enhanced through a systematic development and implementation of a simulation-based educational program that utilized mnemonics to help students to remember key tasks. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.