Effectiveness of a Simulation Based Teaching Program on Dysrhythmias : A Pre-Experimental Study

Aim The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation based teaching program (SBTP) in the interpretation and management of dysrhythmias in terms of knowledge and skills of staff nurses working in cardiac care areas of a selected hospital of New Delhi. Objectives The objectives of the study were to assess, evaluate and compare the knowledge and skill of the staff nurses regarding interpretation and management of dysrhythmias before and after the administration of a SBTP, and to determine the relationship between selected variables and knowledge and skill of staff nurses regarding interpretation and management of dysrhythmias. Method The study followed a pre experimental, one group, pretest post-test design and was conducted in Max hospital, Saket, New Delhi. Convenience sampling technique was used to select 30 staff nurses working in different cardiac care units. A pretested, reliable and valid tool was used to assess the knowledge and skill of staff nurses. Results A significant difference was found in the pretest and posttest knowledge (p= .00) and skill (p= .00) of the staff nurses related to management of dysrhythmias before and after the administration of SBTP. There was no significant correlation between post test knowledge and skill scores (p= 0.87). There was a significant relationship between gender and post test skill scores of staff nurses. The post test skill scores were more in females as compared to male staff nurses (p= 0.04). Conclusion The SBTP was effective in increasing the knowledge and skill of staff nurses in the management of dysrhythmias.