title: Utilizing simulation technology for competency skills assessment and a comparison of traditional methods of training to simulation-based training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The respiratory care department of one campus within our health system evaluated simulation-based medical education for training and competency evaluation of the mini bronchoalveolar lavage (mini-BAL) procedure, with an emphasis on patient safety and procedure performance standards.
  
  
  METHODS
  Training and competency evaluation occurred in 4 phases. In phase one, 24 staff respiratory therapists (RTs) were randomly chosen and individually underwent a simulation-based test of their mini-BAL performance, using a patient-simulator mannequin. Their performance on this test reflected the effectiveness of traditional training methods. In phase two, 83 staff RTs were given unlimited access to a Web-based curriculum on mini-BAL, including a video of a mini-BAL. They then took 2 tests: one online Web-based test, then a patient-simulator test. In phase three, the same 83 RTs attended a workshop that used the patient simulator for training and practice, then were re-evaluated with the patient-simulator test. Phase four was another simulator-based re-evaluation, 90 days after phase three, to study skills retention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean scores were: phase one 73 +/- 10%, phase two 77 +/- 11%, phase three 95 +/- 5% (p < 0.01), phase four 92 +/- 8%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that employing simulation technology within a comprehensive departmental program can enhance staff training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Raymond P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Tuttle
authors.forename: Mark H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Albert J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Augustine
authors.forename: Dana F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Novotny
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Dongilli
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lutz
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: DeVita
mesh_terms: D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage / Q000451:nursing*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012124:Respiratory Care Units