Knowledge transfer and retention of simulation-based learning for neurosurgical instruments: a randomised trial of perioperative nurses.

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that simulation is an acceptable method of training in nursing education. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of tablet-based simulation in learning neurosurgical instruments and to assess whether skills learnt in the simulation environment are transferred to a real clinical task and retained over time.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted. Perioperative nurses completed three consecutive sessions of a simulation. Group A performed simulation tasks prior to identifying real instruments, whereas Group B (control group) was asked to identify real instruments prior to the simulation tasks. Both groups were reassessed for knowledge recall after 1 week.

Results: Ninety-three nurses completed the study. Participants in Group A, who had received tablet-based simulation, were 23% quicker in identifying real instruments and did so with better accuracy (93.2% vs 80.6%, p<0.0001) than Group B. Furthermore, the simulation-based learning was retained at 7 days with 97.8% correct instrument recognition in Group A and 96.2% in Group B while maintaining both speed and accuracy.

Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the effectiveness of tablet-based simulation training for instrument recognition by perioperative nurses. Our results demonstrate that instrument knowledge acquired through tablet-based simulation training results in improved identification and retained recognition of real instruments.