Thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke: evaluation of a bespoke ambulance-based simulation package for stroke nurses

Abstract

Background/Aims: Thrombectomy patients are often transferred to a thrombectomy centre with a nurse escort. This article reports the evaluation of a bespoke simulation course for these nurses. Methods: The Standardised Thrombectomy Ambulance Transfer Simulations (STATS) course was a high-fidelity simulation course using static ambulances and an immersion room. Evaluation was by questionnaire and data were managed in Excel. Results: A total of 35 nurses from six hospitals evaluated the course and all rated it as excellent or very good. Benefits reported were the use of simulation for realism and the practice of transfer skills. Self-reported median confidence ratings increased from 5 to 9/10. Key learning was reported in patient management, teamwork and communication, and knowledge about thrombectomy. Conclusions: The STATS course supports the role of simulation in education for nurses undertaking thrombectomy transfers. As thrombectomy services develop in the UK, simulation provides an opportunity for education and practice for this role.