Hyperacute Stroke Nursing Workshop in a New Norm: A Small Scale Pilot Hybrid Training Program

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: The presence of a code stroke nurse has been demonstrated to reduce door-to-treatment time. Unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic have halted face-to-face training program, resulting in a hybrid training program development. The aim of this project was to explore the users' experience and effectiveness of a new hybrid program for hyperacute stroke nursing training. Method(s) This hybrid workshop was incorporated virtual learning platforms and traditional in-person learning. Pre-post self-assessment knowledge was evaluated using a 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and a 5-point Likert scale. A virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was conducted as summative assessment. All faculty and participants completed the course evaluation. Result(s) Six neuroscience Advanced Practice Nurses with no prior experience in stroke activation participated in the training program. There was only a 10% increase in MCQ mean score. Feedback received for MCQs include having plausible distractors and difficult vocabulary. Five participants completed the virtual OSCE with mean score of 80%. Majority would prefer to have more clinical exposure. Overall, there was 39.4% increase of self-assessment on knowledge post workshop. Being able to conduct proper assessment and debrief in safe environment were key positive feedbacks. Conclusion(s) This hybrid workshop enhances nurses' knowledge in code stroke nursing training. Faculty will need to review and improve the MCQ construct. Clinical attachment extension would have created more opportunity to gain clinical knowledge and insight on the stroke activation processes. Overall, hybrid session on hyperacute stroke nursing training is feasible especially in this COVID-19 pandemic.