The role of simulation-based training in healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention

Abstract

Objectives: To perform a review of the literature on the role of simulation-based training (SBT) in healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention and to highlight the importance of SBT as an educational tool in infection prevention. Methods: We reviewed English language publications from PubMed to select original articles that utilized SBT as the primary mode of education for infection prevention efforts in acute-care hospitals. Results: Overall, 27 publications utilized SBT as primary mode of education for HAI prevention in acute-care hospitals. Training included the following: hand hygiene in 3 studies (11%), standard precaution in 1 study (4%), disaster preparedness in 4 studies (15%), central-line–associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) prevention in 14 studies (52%), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention in 2 studies (7%), surgical site infection prevention in 2 studies (7%), and ventilatory associated pneumonia prevention in 1 study (4%). SBT improved learner’s sense of competence and confidence, increased knowledge and compliance in infection prevention measures, decreased HAI rates, and reduced healthcare costs. Conclusion: SBT can function as a teaching tool in day-to-day infection prevention efforts as well as in disaster preparedness. SBT is underutilized in infection prevention but can serve as a crucial educational tool.

Compliance with central venous catheter infection prevention practices after intervention with simulation

“…Simulation-based training uses artificial representation of real-world processes to enable hands-on learning ( 19 ) . In addition, education is a key component of infection prevention efforts, encompassing lectures, videos and fact sheets with some hands-on opportunities ( 19 ) .…”

“…Simulation-based training uses artificial representation of real-world processes to enable hands-on learning ( 19 ) . In addition, education is a key component of infection prevention efforts, encompassing lectures, videos and fact sheets with some hands-on opportunities ( 19 ) . Using simulation has grown in the health area, and its applicability is a complement to traditional teaching methods in preventing infections, PS and reducing costs with incidents ( 19 ) .…”

Impact of intensified prevention measures on rates of hospital-acquired bloodstream infection in medical-surgical intensive care units, Israel, 2011 to 2019

“…However, other prevention tools, such as simulation training and line-care audits, were adopted to a lesser extent. Hands-on training through simulation was found to be more effective than traditional education for teaching sterile technique and ultrasound skills [20]. In addition, high compliance with insertion and maintenance bundles was found to be associated with low CLABSI rates [21].…”

Rising from the pandemic ashes: Reflections on burnout and resiliency from the infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship workforce

“…18 3) Destigmatize the mental health crisis: Institutions must recognize the insults specific to the IP, AS, and public health communities, provide tools to "de-brief" and confront traumatic situations, ensure protected time and financial support for mental health treatment when necessary, and provide ongoing support. 19 4) Collaborate on our terms: The pandemic has afforded multiple opportunities to collaborate in medical education, simulation training, 20 international knowledge sharing, 21,22 opinion pieces, 23 and primary research projects. These partnerships have contributed significantly to our understanding of the pandemic and have lain the foundation for future collaborations.…”