Authors: (including presenting author): :
Wan PY(1), Yip HC(1), Wong KW(1), Wan HYS(1), Fung SS(1), Fung SHJ(1), Wong LY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Keyword 2: :
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Keyword 4: :
Simulation training
Keyword 5: :
Patient safety
Introduction: :
The intra‑aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a life-saving temporary mechanical circulatory support for critically ill cardiac patients by enhancing coronary perfusion and reducing cardiac afterload. Given the variability across IABP systems (e.g. Datascope CS300, Maquet Cardiosave and Arrow AC3) and frequent onboarding of pre-trained junior staff, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTSD) at Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) developed a structured training program to enhance nurses’ knowledge, practical skills, situational awareness and patient safety in IABP management.
Objectives: :
1. Strengthen fundamental IABP knowledge, including physiology, indications, monitoring, potential complications, and troubleshooting strategies.
2. Develop hands‑on proficiency among cardiothoracic surgery nurses in operating various IABP systems, hardware components, and interfaces.
Methodology: :
This multi-modal IABP training program, designed to improve continuous nursing care, comprised of two main components: a 20‑minute pre‑reading video covering core theoretical knowledge and a one‑hour scenario‑based hands‑on simulation workshop. The video was made available for self-study via ward iPads and online platform to maximize the accessibility and flexibility. The workshop featured small‑group rotations across different IABP systems and high-fidelity scenarios, such as helium tubing dislodgement and balloon catheter migration, followed by structured debriefing and Q&A sessions. Existing quick reference cards were introduced and integrated into the workshop to enrich practical application and make sessions more comprehensive. An evaluation bundle consisted of a 15-item multiple-choice question pre‑ and post‑online assessment to quantify knowledge gain, plus a 5-point Likert scale post‑program survey to capture qualitative feedback.
Result & Outcome: :
From December 2024 to January 2025, 18 registered nurses from Cardiothoracic Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CTSICU) and Cardiothoracic Surgery Operating Theatre (CTSOT) were recruited in the training program. The participants’ knowledge of IABP management increased significantly. With mean MCQ scores rose from 7.89 ± 3.58 (pre-test) to 13.17 ± 1.89 (post-test), with a mean gain of 5.28 points (95% CI: 3.41-7.14; paired two-tailed t-test, p< 0.001). All participants reported that the knowledge and skills acquired from video and workshop were directly applicable to daily practice. More than 90% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the workshop provided adequate hands-on experience in operating IABP consoles.
This blended training model enhances nurses’ self-efficacy and competence in IABP management while being highly relevant to clinical practice. Moving forward, this programme could be conducted regularly and expanded to incorporate training on IABP insertion, removal, and intra-hospital transportation, thereby creating a comprehensive and sustainable professional development package for CTS nurses.
