Does Simulation-Based Training Increase Athletic Training Students' Clinical Confidence and Competence in Performing a Cardiovascular Screening?

• Published in: Journal of allied health Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 171 - 178
• Main Authors: Doherty-Restrepo, Jennifer L., Harrelson, K. Erin, Swinnie, Tazjanne, Montalvo, Alicia M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions 01.10.2017; John Colbert; Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions
• Subjects: Behavioral Objectives; Cardiomyopathy; Cardiovascular disease; Clinical competence; Curricula; Electrocardiography; Experiential learning; Health care; Health education; Heart; Heart Disorders; Learning Theories; Medical screening; Nurses; Nursing; Participation; Professionals; RESEARCH ARTICLE; Simulation; Skills; Sports injuries; Sports training; Student athletes; Students; Teaching Methods; Training
• ISSN: 0090-7421; 1945-404X

CONTEXT: The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is higher than previously estimated. The need for increased screening to detect cardiac diseases in preparticipation physical examinations (PPE) has become a focus in athletic training. The use of simulation-based training in healthcare professionals' education has increased clinical confidence and competence, but research is limited. OBJECTIVE: To examine if a simulation-based educational intervention can increase athletic training students' selfreported confidence and clinical competence in conducting a cardiovascular screening. DESIGN: Pretest-posttest design. METHODS: 25 first-year athletic training students in a professional master's program participated. The intervention consisted of a standardized cardiovascular curriculum consisting of a 45-minute, interactive instructor-led session and a 45-minute audio session which included repetitions of heart murmurs. Learner self-reported confidence scale, multiple-choice knowledge exam, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) of cardiovascular assessment skills and auditory recognition of heart murmurs were recorded. RESULTS: Self-reported confidence increased significantly from 4.4±2.1 to 9.2±3.0 post-intervention (F=78.7, p<0.001) with a moderately high effect size (η2=0.789). Knowledge exam scores increased significantly from 11.0±2.5 to 13.6±4.0 post-intervention (F=5.3, p=0.031) with a low effect size (η2 =0.191). The history-taking assessment of the OSCE increased significantly from 2.6±1.6 to 5.7±1.7 post-intervention (F=70.1, p<0.001) with a moderately high effect size (η2=0.751). The clinical skills assessment of the OSCE increased significantly from 4.1±2.8 to 15.6±1.6 post-intervention (F=415.4, p<0.001) with a high effect size (η2=0.952). CONCLUSIONS: Simulation-based training is an effective tool for increasing athletic training students' self-reported confidence and competence in conducting a cardiovascular screening. J Allied Health 2017; 46(3):171-177.