Simulation With Task Trainers Improved BMT Procedure Skills, Knowledge

A program that combines didactic education with simulation training improved procedure knowledge and self-reported confidence among bone marrow transplant (BMT) advanced practice providers (APPs).

These findings were presented in a poster at JADPRO Live 2022, the annual APSHO meeting, by Jessica Casselberry, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP, of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and colleagues.

The researchers noted that bone marrow aspiration and biopsies (BMBx) are obtained from patients with hematologic malignancies to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

At Dr Casselberry’s institution, BMT APPs perform 98% of BMBx. However, training on BMBx is often done through observation, which can lead to inconsistencies in APP knowledge and skill level.

To improve BMBx training, Dr Casselberry and colleagues developed a standardized, evidence-based curriculum incorporating simulation training with a task trainer. The goals were to reduce specimen-related errors by 10%, increase BMBx knowledge by 25%, and increase self-reported confidence among BMT APPs.

Baseline surveys were used to assess knowledge of BMBx procedures, specimen allocation, and testing. The 3-hour program included an educational PowerPoint presentation and breakout sessions covering BMBx kit review, simulation on a task trainer, and review of BMBx specimen collection procedures. Descriptive and statistical analysis was used for assessment of baseline and post-program surveys.

With this program, specimen labeling errors decreased by 62.5%, and overall BMBx knowledge increased by 26.5%. All participants reported that they felt “fairly” or “completely” confident to perform BMBx after participation.

“We concluded that the program is beneficial, especially for those new to the procedure. Participants felt the program could improve patient safety, and we confirmed that task training enhances mechanical cognitive and interactive skills,” Dr Casselberry said in an audio recording accompanying the poster.

“We believe this program can serve for maintaining clinical competency and that simulation training with task trainers or other mannequins can be utilized in APP models of care for the purposes of procedural skill acquisition and enhanced self-reported confidence,” she concluded.

Disclosures: The study authors did not disclose any conflicts of interest.

Reference

Casselberry J, Peterson GJ, Zucker J. A bone marrow aspirate and biopsy educational program for advanced practice providers utilizing task trainers. Poster presented at: JADPRO Live 2022; October 20-23, 2022; Aurora, CO. Abstract JL1001C.