Evaluation of computer-based training and high-fidelity simulation to improve early recognition of sepsis on the adult general ward

This quality improvement project involved developing, implementing and evaluating an educational intervention using computer-based training (CBT) and high-fidelity simulation (HFS) to increase knowledge, confidence and compliance of nurses identifying sepsis. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were nurses on a general ward of an academic medical centre. Study variables were measured over three timepoints: 2 weeks before, immediately after and 90 days after implementation. Data were collected from January 30, 2018, to June 22, 2018. SQUIRE 2.0 checklist for quality improvement reporting used. Improvements in knowledge of sepsis (F-(2,F-83) = 18.14, p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.30) and confidence in early recognition of sepsis (F-(2,F-83) = 13.67, p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.25) were found. Additionally, compliance with sepsis screening improved between the preimplementation and postimplementation period (chi(2) = 13.633, df = 1, p < 0.001). Overall, the nurses evaluated their experience with the CBT and HFS as strongly positive. When designing and implementing an educational intervention on sepsis, a process for follow-up which provides reinforcement should be considered to retain nurses' knowledge.