Evaluation Of Team-Based Learning To Increase Nurses' Knowledge Of The Ventricular Assist Device

Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are used to extend life expectancy for patients with advanced heart failure. Approximately 102 hospitals nationwide have a VAD program, but the majority implant only a small number of devices each year. This low-volume and high-acuity patient population can create concerns for maintaining nursing knowledge skill levels. Nursing staff from a step-down telemetry floor in a large urban hospital completed an Individual Readiness Assessment Test to assess their knowledge and accuracy in the care of mechanical circulatory support patients using the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique. The nurses were then assigned to small groups and worked as a team to complete the same test known as the Group Readiness Assessment Test. Study results suggest that team-based learning was effective in increasing knowledge of mechanical circulatory support.