Identifying deterioration in a simulated environment: testing of a pedagogic model

The purpose of this study is to test a pedagogic model, developed in Australia, with participants in the UK. Over the past three years, we have worked with collaborators at Monash University, Australia and at the University of Brighton on four funded exploratory studies (total income >AU$100k). The main outcome of this work is a pedagogic model of simulation delivery (FIRST2ACT - Feedback Incorporating Review and Simulation Techniques to Act on Clinical Trends) incorporating feedback via video review (Buykx et al 2010, Endacott et al in press, Endacott et al 2010, Cooper et al 2010). Work to date has used this model to investigate decision-making processes in emergency situations with nursing and midwifery students and experienced nurses working in rural hospitals. The latter study allowed us to test the model as an intervention and demonstrated significant impact on patient management (for example, improved recording of vital signs such as blood pressure, and appropriate use of oxygen). In order to develop pedagogic interventions for health services, we need to test the model with similar participants in the UK and with inter-professional student groups.

The purpose of this study is three fold: 1. To test the FIRST2ACT model with senior health care professionals (nurses, AHPs and paramedics) undertaking postgraduate programmes at Plymouth University 2. to apply the model to scenarios requiring clinical and ethical decision making 3. to examine the utility of FIRST2ACT in facilitating inter-professional learning.