Option generation in the treatment of unstable patients: An experienced‐novice comparison study

Abstract

There are a dearth of studies that quantitatively measure nurses' appreciation of stimuli and the subsequent generation of options in practice environments. The purpose of this paper was to provide an examination of nurses' ability to solve problems while quantifying the stimuli upon which they focus during patient care activities. The study used a quantitative descriptive method that gathered performance data from a simulated task environment using multi-angle video and audio. These videos were coded and transcripts of all of the actions that occurred in the scenario and the verbal reports of the participants were compiled. The results revealed a pattern of superiority of the experienced exemplar group. Novice actions were characterized by difficulty in following common protocols, inconsistencies in their evaluative approaches, and a pattern of omissions of key actions. The study provides support for the deliberate practice-based programs designed to facilitate higher-level performance in novices.

Novice nurses’ attention to task-relevant stimuli during practice

“…The basis for nurses' decisions is a vital component of studies that seek to explain the reasons for clinical decisions. [1] Nurses are required to make clinical decisions for their patients on a daily basis. One common finding within studies is the reliance of nurses on patient-related cues or stimuli to make these clinical decisions.…”

“…[6] The stimuli that are perceived by the nurse represent the foundation for their perception of the patient's condition and appropriate care that should follow. Research concludes that clinical stimuli obtained through assessment (e.g., changes in vital signs, pain, or appearance) [1] greatly influence nurses' clinical decisionmaking processes. [16,18] Research indicates that experience directly relates to the relationship between stimuli perception and clinical-decision making.…”

“…Nurses work in highly stressful environments in which multiple stimuli influence their clinical decisions resulting in patterns of action related to these stimuli. [1] Time limited decision-making activity, multiple and diverse decisionmaking goals, and conflicting decisional elements are factors that influence clinical decision-making. [2] Nonetheless, little is known in the field of nursing about relationship between stimulus recognition and patient outcomes.…”