Simulation-based training boosts scrub nurses’ confidence in OR non-technical skills

Editor's Note

Targeted training in non-technical skills significantly improves scrub practitioners’ self-efficacy—particularly in communication, teamwork, and situational awareness—according to a new randomized controlled trial published by BMC Medical Education on May 7.

As reported in the study, 60 scrub practitioners from two Iranian hospitals were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received two sessions of intraoperative non-technical skills training using lectures and simulated video scenarios based on the SPLINTS (Scrub Practitioners’ List of Intraoperative Non-Technical Skills) framework. The control group received no training. Researchers assessed participants’ perceived self-efficacy in non-technical skills before and 1 month after training via a validated questionnaire.

Before training, no significant differences existed between groups. However, post-intervention results showed a statistically significant increase in overall self-efficacy in the intervention group (P=0.025). Specifically, self-efficacy in “situation awareness” and “communication and teamwork” improved significantly (P<0.05), while no significant change was observed for “task management.” The study notes that high workloads and limited training time may have contributed to this.

Adverse events remained frequent in surgical settings, with roughly half considered preventable. Non-technical skills—including cognitive and interpersonal abilities like teamwork, communication, and awareness—are increasingly recognized as key factors in reducing these incidents. The study cites growing global recognition of simulation-based learning as an effective strategy for enhancing these competencies. The training used realistic, brief video scenarios filmed in actual OR environments and featured peers acting in clinical roles. This design aimed to boost both engagement and transferability of concepts to practice. According to the outlet, the strength of the study lies in its rigorous design, realistic training materials, and clear focus on skill-specific self-efficacy outcomes.

While the study confirms the positive short-term impact of SPLINTS-based training, it also points to the need for long-term studies and broader implementation across varied settings. The researchers recommend incorporating non-technical skills education into nursing curricula and ongoing professional development programs to support safer, more effective perioperative teams.