Research Article: Comparison of time-segmented goal-directed teaching vs. traditional teaching for PICC among specialist nurse training: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract:
This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Time-Segmented Goal-Directed Teaching (TSGDT) vs. Traditional Teaching (TT) in enhancing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) skills among specialist nurse trainees.
A total of 104 specialist nurse trainees were randomized to TSGDT ( n = 52) or TT ( n = 52). TSGDT group segmented PICC operation into three temporally defined phases (pre-operative preparation, operational phase, and post procedure management & holistic care), each with explicit performance criteria and time-bound practice. TT delivered sequential didactic instruction of the entire procedure. Both groups received 4 hours of training. Primary outcome was Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) performance of PICC. Secondary outcomes included knowledge assessment, willingness, perceived confidence, and training satisfaction. Outcomes were measured immediately post-intervention and at 4-week follow-up.
Compared with the TT group, participants in the TSGDT group achieved significantly higher overall OSCE scores immediately after training ( p < 0.0001). This advantage was evident across all key domains of pre-procedure preparation ( p = 0.015), operational phase ( p = 0.0017), and post procedure management/holistic care ( p = 0.010). Additionally, participants in TSGDT group completed the OSCE scenario in significantly less time ( p = 0.018). At the 4-week follow-up, the TSGDT group maintained significantly higher OSCE performance than the TT group ( p < 0.0001). Notably, the magnitude of skill decay from immediate post-test to follow-up was significantly smaller in the TSGDT group ( p < 0.0001), indicating enhanced skill retention and consolidation. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in theoretical knowledge test scores ( p = 0.238). Regarding subjective outcomes, TSGDT participants reported significantly greater confidence in providing PICC care ( p = 0.026), willingness to perform PICC under supervision ( p = 0.030), perceived mastery ( p = 0.038), and overall satisfaction with the training program ( p = 0.027) compared to their TT counterparts.
The Time-Segmented Goal-Directed Teaching method is a highly effective instructional strategy that significantly enhances PICC procedural competence, procedural confidence, and learning satisfaction among specialist nurse trainees, with superior skill retention at 4 weeks, which offering a superior alternative to traditional teaching for clinical skill acquisition.
Introduction:
This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Time-Segmented Goal-Directed Teaching (TSGDT) vs. Traditional Teaching (TT) in enhancing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) skills among specialist nurse trainees.
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