Title : Fostering confidence and competence in LVAD Care: A comprehensive educational initiatives
Abstract:
The introduction of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) at the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center has presented unique challenges for ICU and acute care nurses, especially those with limited experience managing these advanced devices. LVAD patient care requires both technical expertise and confidence in complex clinical scenarios. Recognizing this need, a comprehensive educational intervention was implemented to enhance nursing proficiency, ensuring positive patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches. Nurses’ attitudes and confidence significantly influence the quality of care, with research underscoring the importance of fostering a positive mindset (Chuang & Kuo, 2018). This initiative utilized simulation-based training and checklist-driven guidelines to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. High-fidelity simulation, proven effective in preparing nurses for LVAD-related emergencies (Trotter et al., 2021), was a cornerstone of the training, complemented by continuous professional development to promote patient safety (Davidson et al., 2019). The educational initiative followed the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to structure its implementation, incorporating insights from a thorough literature review. Training included policy-aligned checklists, simulation return demonstrations, and evidence-based practices for LVAD management. Collaboration between LVAD coordinators, unit educators, and nurses facilitated seamless execution, with knowledge and comfort levels assessed through pre- and post-training evaluations. The intervention reached 32 nurses, with 26 completing a post-intervention survey conducted four months later. Results indicated significant improvements in knowledge and confidence. Data analysis, performed using descriptive statistics and graphical representations in Microsoft Excel, revealed key trends that informed further refinements in training. A sustainability plan was also developed to ensure long-term success. This plan emphasizes continuous education, annual competency validations, and the integration of LVAD knowledge into organizational culture. Regular feedback loops involving LVAD coordinators and unit educators aim to drive continuous improvement, ensuring the initiative’s alignment with evolving evidence-based practices. This presentation will explore the training design, implementation process, outcomes, and strategies for sustaining LVAD education, highlighting its impact on enhancing nurse readiness and improving patient care.
