Impact of simulation-based learning on family caregivers during the rehabilitation period of individuals with spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-methods study. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the knowledge that family caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries acquired through the use of a high-fidelity simulation-based learning (SBL) program. SETTING: The study was comprised of three phases a previous qualitative research study detecting training needs, one in which clinical simulation scenarios were designed, and a final quasi-experimental phase in which ten caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injuries were trained in their care using simulations at the Toledo National Hospital for Paraplegics (Spain). METHODS: The competences acquired by the family were evaluated before and after the simulation training. A researcher-validated tool for each scenario was utilized for this evaluation. RESULTS: Four learning scenarios were designed based on the needs identified through the caregiver interviews. Following the training of the caregivers with SBL, an increase in their knowledge and skills was identified. For all the scenarios, the caregivers obtained a higher average score on the post test than on the pre test, and these differences were significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Simulation training is a useful and efficient learning tool for caregivers of individuals with a spinal cord injury.