Recommended Citation
Flowers T, McConnell J. Can you escape an infection? Quality Improvement poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Presentation Notes
*Recipient of "People's Choice Award" for Quality Improvement category. Quality Improvement poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Abstract
Background: Healthcare acquired infections are a major safety concern for both health care providers and patients; and increases morbidity, mortality, length of stay and costs.
Local Problem: In 2021, there was an increase in infections at Atrium Health Stanly (10 infections up from four in 2020). For years, staff were educated through learning modules. Teammtes were bored with this method and did not retain the information. The team decided to incorporate an Escape Room as a creative educational opportunity to increase knowledge of infection prevention evidence-based best practices.
Method: The escape rooms were focused on quality improvement topics and ways to decrease infections. A group of teammates entered an escape room where they had to solve clues and puzzles while learning infection prevention. A pre-course evaluation, post-course evaluation, and a 4-month follow-up evaluation were included in the data collection process. Control group teammates were those who did not attend education sessions and were provided with alternative learning.
Results/Conclusions: After each group completed the escape room, a debriefing was conducted. Overall, the teammates felt there was great teamwork and collaboration as they worked together. Most importantly, teammates were able to gain greater knowledge as they were evaluated pre- and post-tests. The follow-up evaluation showed 7 out of 10 questions were retained after 4 months. Teammates who did not attend an escape room were assessed on their learning using the same questions. They scored lower or equal on eight out of ten questions.
Implications for Practice: This model of learning contributed to the decrease in infections from ten in 2021 to six in 2022. An improvement of 40% in infections. We have adopted this approach to learning because it is effective for knowledge retention, and our teammates enjoyed the experience. A toolkit was developed and can be shared and modified for use at other facilities on a variety of topics.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-15-2023
Can you escape an infection?
Background: Healthcare acquired infections are a major safety concern for both health care providers and patients; and increases morbidity, mortality, length of stay and costs.
Local Problem: In 2021, there was an increase in infections at Atrium Health Stanly (10 infections up from four in 2020). For years, staff were educated through learning modules. Teammtes were bored with this method and did not retain the information. The team decided to incorporate an Escape Room as a creative educational opportunity to increase knowledge of infection prevention evidence-based best practices.
Method: The escape rooms were focused on quality improvement topics and ways to decrease infections. A group of teammates entered an escape room where they had to solve clues and puzzles while learning infection prevention. A pre-course evaluation, post-course evaluation, and a 4-month follow-up evaluation were included in the data collection process. Control group teammates were those who did not attend education sessions and were provided with alternative learning.
Results/Conclusions: After each group completed the escape room, a debriefing was conducted. Overall, the teammates felt there was great teamwork and collaboration as they worked together. Most importantly, teammates were able to gain greater knowledge as they were evaluated pre- and post-tests. The follow-up evaluation showed 7 out of 10 questions were retained after 4 months. Teammates who did not attend an escape room were assessed on their learning using the same questions. They scored lower or equal on eight out of ten questions.
Implications for Practice: This model of learning contributed to the decrease in infections from ten in 2021 to six in 2022. An improvement of 40% in infections. We have adopted this approach to learning because it is effective for knowledge retention, and our teammates enjoyed the experience. A toolkit was developed and can be shared and modified for use at other facilities on a variety of topics.