Effect of Simulations on Nurse Self-Efficacy and Knowledge of Hypertensive Crisis Treatment in Pregnancy

Abstract

Severe hypertension in pregnancy is leading to increased rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. A lack of knowledge and awareness regarding protocols for the treatment of hypertensive crises in pregnancy is leading to adverse patient outcomes in the obstetrical units within the hospital. A pretest/posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of simulations on nurse self-efficacy and knowledge of hypertension treatment protocols and algorithms over an 8-week period. The project took place in a labor and delivery unit with a Level III Maternal Designation using convenience sampling of staff nurses. Data was collected using the Self-Efficacy for Obstetric Critical Episodes Evaluation tool. Descriptive statistics and a one-way repeated measures ANOVA test were used to analyze data. Results showed a significant difference in nurse self-efficacy scores between pre, immediately post, and 8-weeks post intervention (p<.001). The findings of the project support the use of simulation-based training to increase nurse self-efficacy for this population. Further research is needed to evaluate efficacy in other settings.