Evaluating Effectiveness of the Use of an Extremity Stabilization Device for Vascular Access Procedures in Pediatrics.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of SafeBoard, a Food and Drug Administration-approved extremity stabilization device, as an assistive method in performing peripherally inserted central catheter procedures on children 0 to 3 years of age. This is a retrospective chart review ( n = 59) of vascular access procedures where SafeBoard was utilized ( n = 32 ) in comparison to those procedures which utilized a traditional approach to placement ( n = 27). Statistical analysis demonstrated significant effect on length of procedure time, number of personnel needed for procedure, and success of placement when SafeBoard was utilized. Obtaining vascular access in pediatrics can be a challenging endeavor. Most young pediatric patients require procedural sedation and/or assistive personnel as a "holder" for successful vascular access placement to occur. An alternative option for extremity stabilization may provide improved workflow and improved placement success, which in turn may positively affect workflow.

Student and faculty perceptions of effectiveness of online teaching modalities.

BACKGROUND: When the COVID-19 pandemic forced colleges and universities to rapidly transition from face-to-face teaching to online teaching/learning environments, different instructional methods were employed to deliver course content and help students remain engaged in learning. With the transition back to the on-campus environment, select online teaching modalities may be effective in the face-to-face environment as well. While online and distance learning have been extensively studied, little research is available to guide faculty in using technologies designed for distance learning in the face-to face environment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing student and nursing faculty perceptions of the effectiveness of various online teaching modalities. METHOD: A mixed-methods study using a convenience sample of students and faculty at two universities was conducted. Students and faculty completed a researcher-developed survey to rate a variety of online teaching methods and technologies from a scale of one (not effective at all) through six (extremely effective). Participants also provided comments within the survey and in focus groups of randomly selected students and faculty. Surveyed items included modes of asynchronous and synchronous instruction, instructional technology, and instructional activities. RESULTS: There were significant differences as well as similarities in student and faculty perceptions of effectiveness. Students demonstrated a clear preference for pre-recorded lectures, while faculty perceived synchronous lectures and assigned readings to be equally as effective as pre-recorded lectures. Synchronous activities such as case studies and student presentations were rated as more effective by faculty than by students. Both groups perceived instructional games, especially quiz games, as very or extremely effective. CONCLUSIONS: Students were more engaged with instructional activities that they perceived as effective for learning. The results of this study will assist faculty in developing effective online and in-person instruction which will optimize the teaching/learning experience.

Preventing dog bites with L.O.V.E.

ABSTRACT: Children can be vulnerable to dog bites when they don't recognize aggressive cues, highlighting the importance of safe child-dog interactions. This article explains how anticipatory guidance with L.O.V.E. can be used to educate children and families about preventing dog bite injuries.

Feelings on remote education in the era of coronavirus pandemic, a pilot study.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic required schools of nursing to change content delivery to a remote platform. For those who had little or no previous online educational experiences, this change created an array of feelings and emotions in both students and faculty. METHODS: A mixed method exploratory study was used to explore the feelings and emotions of students and faculty associated with the rapid adjustment to changes in delivery of content and its impact on their emotional well-being. RESULTS: Feelings of frustration, stress, and anxiety at the pandemic in general, and toward remote learning in particular were found. The inability to see others in person was also a source of stress. DISCUSSION: Major themes such as increased workload and the displeasure with having didactic content delivery online were major themes. Students prefer mandatory synchronous didactic delivery and were concerned that online clinical experiences may not be as effective as in-person clinical experiences.

Effects of Implementing a Simulation-Learning Based Training Using a Train-The-Trainer Model on the Acquisition and Retention of Knowledge about Infant Safe Sleep Practices Among Licensed Nurses.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of a simulation-learning based training using a train-the-trainer model on the acquisition and retention of knowledge about infant safe sleep practices among nursing staff employed at a women's and children's hospital. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a two-phase, quasi-experimental study with repeated measure in a women's and children's hospital in Southwest XXXX. A total of 120 nurses completed phase I of the study, while 74 completed phase II. Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Observational Experiential Theory were used to guide the development of the methods and research question. RESULTS: Overall, there was statistically significant (p < .001) increases between pre-test and post-test scores immediately and at three months. The post-partum, well-baby nursery, and pediatric department had statistically significant (p < .001) increases between pre-test and post-test scores immediately and at three months. The pediatric intensive care unit did not have statistically significant increases between pre-test and post-test scores immediately and at three months (p = .086). CONCLUSIONS: A train-the-trainer program in simulation and infant safe sleep can positively affect nurses' knowledge about safe sleep and SUID. Future research should include longer follow-up assessments to better determine long-term impact.

Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies for Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome in Infants.

Hair-thread tourniquets are a rare occurrence but result in significant injury as a hair or thread wraps around a digit, resulting in tissue swelling, pain, or possible tissue ischemia. This condition is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis for a fussy infant. Awareness of this condition will help nurses and other clinicians identify and treat the condition. Some simple prevention strategies can help parents and other caregivers mitigate risk.