Focused simulation training: Emergency department nurses’ confidence and comfort level in performing ultrasound-guided vascular access

Study objectivesThe objective of this study is to assess Emergency Department (ED) nurses’ confidence, comfort level, and competency in performing ultrasound-guided vascular access after a focused ultrasound simulation training session.MethodsA cross-sectional study at an academic medical center. A simulation-based ultrasound training module was used to train ED nurses in ultrasound-guided intravenous (IV) access. The training module consisted of didactics followed by hands-on practice on human models and Blue Phantom ultrasound training block model. All subjects completed a questionnaire after completing the training module.ResultsA total of 40 nurses were enrolled. All subjects successfully demonstrated competency during the training session by identifying upper extremity sonographic vascular anatomy on a human model and performing real-time ultrasound-guided IV access on Blue Phantom ultrasound training block model. On a scale of 1-10, the average confidence level in performing the ultrasound-guided va...