Employee Engagement and the Value of High Fidelity Simulation Problem Based Learning Scenarios During Annual Skills Review

Abstract

Background:

Employee engagement relates to the level of an employee's commitment and connection to an organization. High levels of engagement encourage retention of top talent and higher levels of productivity. Employees want to feel they are continuously growing and developing while working in an environment that promotes trust and cooperation. Establishing clinical competence is a foundation of staff development and provides a means to employee engagement. Annually, we provide a Skills Review to promote and improve clinical competency. The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes surrounding participation in an Annual Skills Review (ASR) using high fidelity simulation scenarios; and its association with employee engagement.

Methods:

Over the course of 3 years, our ASR moved from the large group, didactic and discussion, to small group simulated problem based learning scenarios. We arranged 3 skills stations, 45 min each, to reinforce infrequently implemented respiratory care techniques. Each station was limited to no more than three Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) in an effort to replicate actual staff to work-flow ratios in the ICU. Reducing the number of participants in the groups also allowed for full participation at each station. Following the 2017 ASR, we administered a survey to seek RCP feedback. The goal was to determine how well the ASR met their needs. The survey also allowed RCPs to comment on their experience.

Results:

The survey response rate was overwhelmingly positive.83% of RCP respondents found that the ASR met their needs extremely well or very well. Also included in the survey, was the opportunity to write comments answering the open ended question 'What was the most positive aspect of the ASR?' Overall, the survey results demonstrated approval for the ASR and the open-ended question provided more insight related to employee engagement.

Conclusions:

Our RCPs felt that the learning environment was safe to make mistakes while still learning from their peers. The ASR afforded RCPs opportunity to ask questions and clarify practices that may have been unclear. While in the groups, they were able to appreciate the decision making process of their colleagues, further reinforcing their own critical thinking. Everyone working together in a relaxed, stress free environment, sharing skills and knowledge was a positive and engaging experience for our employees.