Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2017
Publication Details
This article was originally published as:
Potter, J. E., Gatward, J. J., Kelly, M. A., McKay, L., McCann, E., Elliott, R. M., & Perry, L. (2017). Simulation-based communication skills training for experienced clinicians to improve family conversations about organ and tissue donation. Progress in Transplantation, 27(4), 339-345. doi:10.1177/1526924817731881
ANZSRC / FoR Code
111712 Health Promotion| 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified
Abstract
Introduction:
The approach, communication skills, and confidence of clinicians responsible for raising deceased organ donation may influence families’ donation decisions. The aim of this study was to increase the preparedness and confidence of intensive care clinicians allocated to work in a “designated requester” role.
Design:
We conducted a posttest evaluation of an innovative simulation-based training program. Simulation-based training enabled clinicians to rehearse the “balanced approach” to family donation conversations (FDCs) in the designated requester role. Professional actors played family members in simulated clinical settings using authentic scenarios, with video-assisted reflective debriefing. Participants completed an evaluation after the workshop. Simple descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were performed.
Results:
Between January 2013 and July 2015, 25 workshops were undertaken with 86 participants; 82 (95.3%) returned evaluations. Respondents were registered practicing clinicians; over half (44/82; 53.7%) were intensivists. Most attended a single workshop. Evaluations were overwhelmingly positive with the majority rating workshops as outstanding (64/80; 80%). Scenario fidelity, competence of the actors, opportunity to practice and receive feedback on performance, and feedback from actors, both in and out of character, were particularly valued. Most (76/78; 97.4%) reported feeling more confident about their designated requester role.
Discussion:
Simulation-based communication training for the designated requester role in FDCs increased the knowledge and confidence of clinicians to raise the topic of donation.
Recommended Citation
Potter, J. E., Gatward, J. J., Kelly, M. A., McKay, L., McCann, E., Elliott, R. M., & Perry, L. (2017). Simulation-based communication skills training for experienced clinicians to improve family conversations about organ and tissue donation. Progress in Transplantation, 27(4), 339-345. doi:10.1177/1526924817731881
Comments
Used by permission: the author(s) and SAGE.
© 2017 NATCO: The Organization for Transplant Professionals
The article available for download is the accepted version of the article. The published article may be accessed from the publisher here.
At the time of writing Leigh McKay was affiliated with Avondale College as a Casual Lecturer.