Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of an online education package to prepare health professionals to use a new paediatric early warning system.
Design: Quasi-experimental mixed methods using co-production.
Methods: Participants completed the Package and participated in up to four clinical scenarios. Data were collected using self-report surveys, and during clinical scenarios; escalation of care, documentation, family involvement, communication handovers were assessed, and recorded debriefings were thematically analysed. Data were integrated using tabulated joint displays.
Results: Eleven nurses and three doctors were recruited from three mixed adult and paediatric hospitals. Following completion of the Package and clinical scenarios 13/14 (93%) participants agreed preparedness and confidence to use the ESCALATION System had increased. For 53% handovers, the communication framework was followed, for 79% charts, documentation was complete. Participants engaged with the parent (actor) for 97% scenario interactions. The Package was effective and participation in clinical scenarios appeared to enhance learning.
Patient or public contribution: Consumers participated in the steering group overseeing the study and in the expert panel who reviewed the education package and clinical scenarios.
Keywords: clinical deterioration; education; interprofessional simulation; learning; medical simulation; nursing simulation; paediatric early warning system; parent concerns; parent involvement; simulation.
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