Development of a Program to Improve the Skills of Operating Room Nurses in Caring for Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgeries Based on Competency-Based Learning

Abstract

The objective of this research and development study was to develop and study the effects of a program aimed at improving the skills of operating room nurses in caring for patients undergoing hip fracture surgeries based on competency-based learning. The sample group was selected explicitly according to the preset criteria and consisted of 33 operating room nurses and 54 patients undergoing hip fracture surgeries. Research intervention tool was the Program to Improve the Skills of Operating Room Nurses in Caring for Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery. The data collection tools consisted of: 1) nursing knowledge assessment forms, 2) operating room nurse competency assessment forms, 3) program satisfaction assessment forms for operating room nurses, 4) patient satisfaction questionnaires, and 5) incident recording forms related to surgery postponement or cancellation attributed to a lack of preparation by the nursing team, hip dislocation, surgical site infection, and complications from surgery. Quality testing of the data collection tools yielded reliability values of 0.84, 0.90, 0.92, 0.86, and 1, respectively. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and t-tests.

This study found that the program to promote nursing skills incorporated four activities: 1) self-learning from nursing manuals and video-based lessons, 2) training from nurse specialists, 3) authentic workshops utilizing realistic simulated situations, and 4) learning and development from senior specialist nurses. The results from the application of this program discovered that the knowledge of the nurses involved in the program was notably greater after program participation (p<.001), and the competency of the operating room nurses also substantially improved after program participation (p<.05) compared to before participating in the program. Both nurses and patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with the program. After implementing the program, no Incidents of postponement or cancellation due to a lack of preparation by the nursing team, hip dislocation, surgical site infection, or complications from surgery were noted. This program demonstrates potential applicability in hospitals performing hip fracture surgeries, both inside and outside the healthcare service area.