Effective communication is key to safe patient transfers in healthcare. At CESI, we provide customized simulation-based training for intra-hospital transporters, focusing on communication, patient ID, and safety.
Effective communication among intra-hospital transporters is crucial for safe and efficient transfer of patients within any healthcare facility. Simulation training has been proven to offer experiential learning through the creation of scenarios that mimic real life situations. It allows the learning of new skills with the engagement in evidence-based practice and feedback in real time and enabling the accelerated development of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Thus, bridges are built between classroom training and real-world experiences. What better way to train this essential workforce than at CESI, where training is customized by understand their needs and the gaps that exist in their knowledge and skills.
Anecdotal evidence identified reasons such as overwhelm in unfamiliar environments and perceptions of being “just a transporter”, as some causes for dissatisfaction among transporters, preventing new recruits from staying. The intent of the training was to empower transporters to be comfortable in their roles and have the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to make them successful, enabling them to contribute towards the quality of healthcare delivery and promoting patient safety. CESI educators met with the transport leadership team and their team leads. We decided to focus on communication skills, patient identification, hand sanitization, transport safety and communication protocol. In the initial round, 25 transporters participated individually in this training. In a simulated scenario, they navigated challenges that they could face in their daily work as they interacted with patients at Hartford Hospital. They spent time away from their workspaces, at the simulation center in a non-judgmental learning environment, reflecting on their actions, learning best practice and equipping themselves with refreshed skills. Most of the transporters agreed that the training was valuable for them, and that it raised their awareness and knowledge regarding communication and patient identification to protect patients from harm from errors. Two transporters, at a 2 week follow up, reported that the training heightened their awareness on correct patient identification, and they were able to mitigate incorrect transport in three patients. They were recognized by management for their timely intervention.
At CESI, we thrive on these success stories and are reminded every day that the time spent developing training curriculum and paying attention to detail, is worth it. Customization of simulation scenarios to the training needs of patient transporters contributed positively to patient safety. We recommend this strategy for specific training needs to address pertinent challenges in workspaces. Simulation based training, in this case provided a safe space for open conversation and discussion, allowing transporters to have their opinion listened to and valued. The transporters felt empowered with the information gained and felt that they were able to practically use all the learning. The stories of success further reiterated the value of the training.
We continue to work with the Transport team to address their training needs with the intent to create a team that is empowered and confident to provide high quality and safe service.
