(79) Assessing Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of the Use of a Venous Access Infusion Training Device in an Infusion Workshop

Title: Assessing Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of the Use of a Venous Access Infusion Training Device in an Infusion Workshop

Abstract : Effective home management of bleeding disorders requires infusion skills, yet realistic practice tools are lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess a wearable venous access simulator in an infusion workshop lead by hematology nurses and its impact on participant confidence in learning how to self-infuse their home factor medication. Nursing implications include enhanced and confidence in patient care. Providing hands-on practice with a simulator before real-world application allows for ample repetition, reinforcing memory and improving adherence to recommended treatments.
18 patients (ages 5-24) and 22 caregivers attended infusion workshops by hematology nurses; participants 8+ could evaluate the tool and complete surveys. Current infusion confidence was evaluated on a 5-point scale ("I have never infused before" to "Very Confident") before receiving infusion education and simulator practice. Next, confidence was measured again with a 4-point scale ("Not Confident" to "Very Confident"). Participants evaluated the simulator's usability with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Next, they could practice infusion on themselves or a caregiver. Confidence was measured again with a 4-point scale ("Not Confident" to "Very Confident").
Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks tests were performed to determine whether participant confidence in infusion was affected by practicing with the simulator and attending the workshop. The median confidence score on the pre-surveys was 2; post-simulator, 3; and post-workshop, 3.5. These differences were significant; participant confidence was significantly higher (Z = 5.072, p = < 0.001) after using the simulator tool and even higher after completing the workshop (Z = 5.056, p = < 0.001). The simulator's System Usability Score of 83.26 placed it in the 95th percentile of usability scores.
This study evaluated whether a realistic, easy-to-use wearable venous access simulator enhances confidence in infusion skills. Results showed significant improvement after simulator practice, with further gains post-workshop, demonstrating the simulator's effectiveness in boosting patient and caregiver confidence.