A comparative study of video lecture versus video lecture and high fidelity simulation for training nurses on the delivery of targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Targeted temperature management (TTM) is recommended for cardiac arrest patients. Successful implementation of a TTM protocol depends on the nurses' knowledge and skills. The study's aim was to compare the level of knowledge, psychomotor skills, confidence and satisfaction before, immediately after and at 6 weeks after training nurses on the delivery of TTM with video lecture versus video lecture and high fidelity simulation. METHOD: Demographic variables were compared across treatment groups using t-tests and Chi-square tests. Change over 6 weeks after intervention was tested with mixed effects model. RESULTS: Fifty-two registered nurses were enrolled. Knowledge test scores, the primary outcome, did not differ between the groups immediately after the training (beta = 3.80, SE = 3.47, p = .27), but there was a strong trend 6 weeks after the training in favor of simulation (beta = 7.93, SE = 3.88, p = .04). Skills were significantly better immediately after the training in the simulation group, but no different 6 weeks later. No difference in confidence was found at either post-test point. Simulation-trained nurses were more satisfied with their training at both post-testing points. CONCLUSION: In this study of training approaches to TTM after cardiac arrest, nurses trained with video lecture and high fidelity simulation benefitted from this approach by maintaining their TTM knowledge longer.