An evaluation of the use of a “short moment of intensive training” (SMIT) in delivering trauma-nursing education

Abstract

Abstract

Background

In 2021, Westmead Hospital opened a 13-bed trauma ward, drawing the nursing workforce from various surgical specialties and generating an urgent need for trauma-nursing education. The SMIT (short moment of intensive training) method was developed to deliver targeted, flexible, priority focused and customised education.

Aim

The primary aim of the study was to demonstrate that specific education on chest trauma using the SMIT method improved nurses’ knowledge and confidence in caring for patients who have experienced trauma.

Methods

Nurses who met the recruitment criteria completed a pre-SMIT chest-trauma knowledge assessment and trauma-nursing confidence assessment. The SMITs, comprising five sessions, were conducted by the trained instructors. On completion of each session, the instructor recorded the duration of the session, and the nurses completed the “Participant Feedback of SMIT” tool. Once a nurse had completed all five SMITs, they completed the post-SMIT knowledge and confidence assessments.

Results

A sample size of 13 nurses participated in the study; 14 nurses were recruited, and one excluded. A statistically significant difference was found between the post-SMIT and pre-SMIT knowledge tests (p = 0.003), and post-SMIT and pre-SMIT confidence tests (p = 0.000). No difference was found in the amount of time needed to complete the knowledge test post-SMIT (p = 0.434). Instructor feedback included the time-consuming nature of one-to-one teaching, and the need to conduct sessions close together to minimise the need to revise previous content.

Conclusions

The SMIT teaching method was beneficial for our novice cohort of trauma nurses to increase their knowledge and confidence in treating patients with chest trauma. Recommendations for future research include additional trauma topics, and application of SMITs to other clinical settings.

Keywords: Trauma Nurse Education, nursing confidence, critical thinking, chest trauma, trauma ward education, opportunistic learning, teachable moment.