The Use of Simulation amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to Reduce Skill Decay

Abstract

The loss of acquired skills or knowledge (known as skill decay), is a well-known phenomenon that happens to every human. Some skills fade over time, and some knowledge gets lost over time, especially with disuse. Amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), skill decay could have significant detrimental effects, as the decayed skill or knowledge could lead to a negative patient outcome. Current research seems to indicate that simulating a previously-learned skill, such as central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, can reduce skill decay. The purpose of this project was to determine if a longitudinal assessment and simulation of a CVC insertion (Q 6 month), would reduce skill decay amongst CRNAs.