Logo image
Back
An analysis of nursing students’ decision-making in teams during simulations of acute patient deterioration
Journal article   Peer reviewed

An analysis of nursing students’ decision-making in teams during simulations of acute patient deterioration

T K Bucknall, H Forbes, N M Phillips, N A Hewitt, Simon Cooper, Fiona E Bogossian and First2Act Investigators
Journal of Advanced Nursing, Vol.72(10), pp.2482-2494
2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13009
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13009View
Published Version

Abstract

clinical decision-making clinical judgement education nursing patient deterioration patient safety problem-solving simulation team work think aloud
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the decision-making of nursing students during team based simulations on patient deterioration to determine the sources of information, the types of decisions made and the influences underpinning their decisions. Background: Missed, misinterpreted or mismanaged physiological signs of deterioration in hospitalized patients lead to costly serious adverse events. Not surprisingly, an increased focus on clinical education and graduate nurse work readiness has resulted. Design: A descriptive exploratory design. Methods: Clinical simulation laboratories in three Australian universities were used to run team based simulations with a patient actor. A convenience sample of 97 final-year nursing students completed simulations, with three students forming a team. Four teams from each university were randomly selected for detailed analysis. Cued recall during video review of team based simulation exercises to elicit descriptions of individual and team based decision-making and reflections on performance were audio-recorded post simulation (2012) and transcribed. Results: Students recalled 11 types of decisions, including: information seeking; patient assessment; diagnostic; intervention/treatment; evaluation; escalation; prediction; planning; collaboration; communication and reflective. Patient distress, uncertainty and a lack of knowledge were frequently recalled influences on decisions. Conclusions: Incomplete information, premature diagnosis and a failure to consider alternatives when caring for patients is likely to lead to poor quality decisions. All health professionals have a responsibility in recognizing and responding to clinical deterioration within their scope of practice. A typology of nursing students' decision-making in teams, in this context, highlights the importance of individual knowledge, leadership and communication. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Details

Metrics

953 Record Views
32 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas
Nursing

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Logo image