The Effect of Simulation on Practical Nurses' Assessment of Epidural Analgesia.

Background Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for patients in many acute care settings around the world. In Ontario, Canada, this class of nurses is called registered practical nurses (RPNs). RPNs have a broad scope of practice, which can include providing care for patients who receive epidural analgesia. However, no published studies are available regarding LPN/RPN knowledge, skill, and judgment in caring for patients receiving epidural analgesia. Purpose Examine the effectiveness of simulation education for RPNs regarding assessment of patients receiving epidural analgesia. Method The study had an education component, which included a pre-workshop Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a knowledge questionnaire, a lecture, and practice time. A second OSCE, knowledge questionnaire, and debriefing were completed at the end of the workshop. Results The number of correct procedures performed by each RPN (n=20) increased during the second OSCE. Improvement also was identified in answers to knowledge questions related to adverse effects of opioids, assessment of sensory block, documentation of motor block, and removal assessment. Conclusion This study found use of standardized patients in an education workshop regarding epidural analgesia for RPNs improves knowledge acquisition and assessment performance. However, resources are needed to help RPNs when abnormal findings are observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]