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The Effect of Simulation-Based Training on Performance and Stress in the Clinical Setting

Not Applicable
Conditions
Spinal Puncture Complications
Simulation-based Training
Stress, Emotional
Interventions
Other: Simulation-based training
Registration Number
NCT03163927
Lead Sponsor
Rigshospitalet, Denmark
Brief Summary

This study will investigate the effect of simulation-based training with mastery learning (SBML) on novice performers' lumbar puncture (LP) performance in a clinical setting. The study will investigate the effect on operators' performance, stress level, and on patient experienced stress, confidence in operator, and patient-related outcomes of pain, and risk of subsequent Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH), and days of sickness leave.

The study will compare the effect of the training to a control group of novices receiving standard training and additionally to an intermediate and an expert group.

The study will provide insight into the translational effect from the simulation based setting to clinical performance. Further, the study will explore: if stress decreases operators' performance; if operators stress affects the patient stress level; and the effect of SBML on patient-related outcomes.

Detailed Description

The lumbar puncture procedure is considered a complex procedure. Junior doctors hold uncertainties in performing the procedure and perform below stakeholders expectations. This conflicts with the potential need for immediate performance on critical patients.

The traditional training for junior physicians has been guided by the expectation that experience will lead to mastery. This assumption has been disproved by simulation based and observational studies calling for more educational research including its impact on patient outcomes. A contrast to the maxim of "see one, do one, teach one" is mastery learning (ML). ML implies that learners should practice and re-test until they reach a designated mastery level, making the final level the same for all, although the time taken to reach that level may vary.

Novices trained by simulation based training with mastery learning (SBML) achieve a higher performance level than more experienced physicians only having received clinical training. However, the translational effect into the clinical context is unknown as the training and assessment of competence was performed in the simulation based setting, not integrating aspects as patient communication and positioning. For the lumbar puncture, the complexity of the procedure pertains to both technical and non-technical aspects as patient interaction, communication, the corporation with the assistant and environmental conditions.

Hence, there is a need for more knowledge on the effect of simulation-based training with mastery learning for junior doctors' performance in the clinical setting which should include the effect on patient-related outcomes.

As novices describe a fear of doing harm and hold performance related uncertainty, they may be susceptible to experience a stress sensation. Stress during performance of clinical procedures reduces the working memory and is associated with impaired performance. Expert performers' reports that stress during the procedure performance might be transmitted to the patient. Patients experiencing stress during the procedure holds a significantly increased risk of a prolonged duration of post dural puncture headache.

Stress- stimuli, experience, and responses are complex, as the judgment on whether a situation is perceived as pleasant or threatening depends on the individuals' appraisal, which is based: on previous experience; previous learning; the setting and expectations of the outcome. Stress stimuli arise when the appreciation of the situation is negative. Performers holding a strategy for their performance during stress are less prone to experience a stress sensation. Hence, the integration of a strategy for performing the procedure, based on the experts' process goals might benefit novices' risk of experiencing stress during procedure performance. The effect on such stress reduction to the patient experience of stress and the risks of procedure-related side effects has never been investigated.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of simulation-based training with mastery learning on novices' lumbar puncture performance, patient related outcomes and stress experienced by the physicians and patients during the procedure. The effect and outcomes will be compared with intermediate and expert lumbar puncture performers.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • MD, or Medical student working as substitute junior medical officer, or having clinical rotation at the study sites.
  • Speaking Danish fluently
Exclusion Criteria
  • Previous Lumbar Puncture experience
  • Previous formal training in the lumbar puncture procedure

Eligible patients:

Inclusion criteria:

  • Glasgow Coma Scale 15
  • Referred to the outpatient clinic for a lumbar puncture.
  • Proficiency in the Danish Language
  • Age between 18 and 80 years
  • Understand study implications and co-operate without a need for personal assistance.
  • Providing written and orally informed consent

Exclusion criteria for patients:

  • Lumbar puncture intended on suspicion of Alzheimer or other dementia diagnosis.
  • Cognitive impairment, assessed by the study investigator or local nurse/doctor
  • Physical disabilities, requiring personal assistance.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
InterventionSimulation-based trainingParticipants receive a 1.5-hour standardized simulation-based training course, with mastery learning.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Doctors Heart Rate Variability before performanceA recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before performance, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: RMSDD (ms)

Doctors Heart Rate Variability during performance (Power)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before obtaining liquor, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: Power of Low Frequency, Very Low frequency, High Frequency (ms), a ratio of LF/HF will be calculated

Doctors Heart Rate Variability before performance (Heart rate)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before performance, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: Heart rate (bp/min);

Doctors Heart Rate Variability during performance (pNN50)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before obtaining liquor, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: pNN50 (%)

Doctors Heart Rate Variability before performance (Power)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before performance, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: Power of Low Frequency, Very Low frequency, High Frequency (ms), a ratio of LF/HF will be calculated

Doctors Heart Rate Variability before performance (pNN50)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before performance, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: pNN50 (%)

PerformanceVideos will be recorded at time of lumbar puncture performance, for subsequent ratings within 3 months.

Performance of the procedure assessed by the Lumbar Puncture Assessment Tool (LumPAT)

Doctors Heart Rate Variability during performance (Heart rate)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before obtaining liquor, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: Heart rate (bp/min);

Doctors Heart Rate Variability during performance (RMSDD)A recording of 5 minutes obtainted five minutes before obtaining liquor, is compared to a rest-state recording after the procedure performance

Heart Rate Variability: RMSDD (ms)

Doctors State Trait Anxiety Inventory - ShortFive minutes before performance; Just Before Needle insertion;

A questionaire exploring the stress related anxiety (scores range from 6-24)

Doctors Cognitive AppraisalFive minutes before performance

Cognitive Appraisal explores the individuals perception of resources and demands for the performance (scores range from 1/6 to 6)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Duration of time to needle insertionRegistrered during procedure operation, or evaluated using the videorecordings of the procedure

Time from needle penetration of the skin to obtaining liquor (mm:ss)

Patient Heart Rate Variability during performanceA 5 minutes recording during procedure handling, just before obtaining liquor.

Heart Rate Variability: pNN50 (%)

Post Dural Puncture HeadacheTelephone interview seven days after the procedure performance date

Post Dural Puncture Headache, using the Lübeckers classification

Procedure outcomesRegistrered during procedure operation

Number of needle insertions, Failing/abandoning the procedure performance (yes/no)

Patient Heart Rate Variability before performanceA recording of 5 minutes obtained five minutes before performance

Heart Rate Variability: pNN50 (%)

Patients State Trait Anxiety Inventory - ShortFive minutes before performance; Just Before Needle insertion; Five minutes after termination of the procedure

A questionaire exploring the stress related anxiety (scores range from 6-24)

Confidence in operatorFive minutes after termination of the procedure

A 10-point Likert scale: 0=not confident - 10=very confident

Pain intensity during procedureFive minutes after termination of the procedure

A 10-point Likert scale; 0= no pain - 10= Worst imaginable pain.

Days of sickness leaveTelephone interview seven days after the procedure performance date

Days sick leave related to procedure performance

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Department of Neuology, Herlev Hospital

🇩🇰

Herlev, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup

🇩🇰

Glostrup, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zealand

🇩🇰

Roskilde, Region Zealand, Denmark

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