Three-Dimensional Simulation Training for Oncology Nurses to Address Pitfalls in Current Irrigation Strategy for Intravenous Ports: Repeated Measurements Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We designed an interactive visual training course and three-dimensional (3-D) simulator for participants and used verified questionnaires as tool to evaluate the efficacy of the education course. DATA SOURCES From August 2020 to December 2021, 159 nursing staff who received the interactive visual training course and completed validated questionnaires before and after the course were included. The efficacy of the course was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-course questionnaires. CONCLUSION: The interactive visual training course, including maintenance lectures and practice with a 3-D simulator, improved consensus among the nursing staff and increased the willingness of oncology nurses to perform the proposed port irrigation procedure. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE An implanted intravenous port cannot be directly seen by nursing staff and can only be identified through manual palpation. This lack of visibility may result in individual variations in port identification during daily practice, potentially leading to malpractice. To minimize these individual variations, we have designed an interactive visual training course. We used validated questionnaires before and after the course to analyze its efficacy in practical education.