Utilizing Data-Driven Benchmarks in Simulation to Drive Quality Improvement Strategies

Abstract : A change is underway in nursing education to approach training with a focus on demonstrated competence. One example necessitating this transformation is the 2021 AACN Essentials for Nursing Education, which calls for a change from concept to competency-based education. Clinical simulation is a controlled environment where competencies can be observed and measured. The Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey is a national standardized survey used by hospitals to measure the quality of nursing care patients receive. One school of nursing chose to use a modified version of the HCAHPS survey with all Standardized Patient (SP) simulations over one year (N=385) to provide data regarding the quality of care delivered in the simulation center. Researchers compared results to national HCAHPS data from the same time period. The findings suggested a modified HCAHPS survey can be used to benchmark correlates of care SPs receive during simulated events. In addition, the data highlighted a need for improvement in communication and medication administration competencies. This actionable insight served as the impetus for overall program improvement. This session will explore the process of data collection, analysis, and proposed program improvement strategies to address initiatives related to competencies of communication with patients and medication administration in one undergraduate nursing program.