Fast-Track Training in Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of a Hybrid Education Model

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency department (ED) fast track (FT) for the ambulatory, minor injury patient cohort requires rapid patient assessment, treatment, and turnover, yet specific nursing education is limited. The study aimed to test the feasibility and staff satisfaction of an education program to expand nursing skills and knowledge of managing FT patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study, including self-rating surveys and interviews, assessed the pre- and postimplementation of an education program for nurses working in FT in a metropolitan hospital ED in Australia. Hybrid (face-to-face and Teams) education sessions on 10 topics of staff-perceived limited knowledge were delivered over 8 months.

Results: Participants demonstrated higher knowledge scores after the implementation of short online education sessions to cover the core facets of minor injury management. Overall staff satisfaction with the program was high. Interview discussions involved three key themes, including "benefits to staff learning," "positive impact on patient care and flow," and "preferred mode of delivery."

Conclusiions: Recorded education sessions on minor injury topics for nurses working in FT have proved effective, and this program has now become a core facet of ED education in our hospital.