Observation Tools

Three observation tools were developed to evaluate simulation-based performance.

Rescuing A Patient In Deteriorating Situation (RAPIDS) tool was developed to evaluate nurses’ simulation performances in assessing, managing and reporting of clinical deterioration in patients. ¹ The tool consists of two domains:

1. ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Expose/Examine) to evaluate the performance in assessing and managing patient deterioration;
2. SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation) domain to assess communication skills when reporting patient deterioration.

Clinical Reasoning Evaluation Simulation Tool (CREST) was developed to measure clinical reasoning skills in recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in a simulated environment. ² The tool consists of the following subscales:

1. Considering the patient situation
2. Collecting Cues
3. Processing Information
4. Identifying Problems
5. Establishing Goals
6. Taking Actions
7. Evaluation Outcomes
8. Reflecting on the process of new learning

Simulation-based assessment (SAT) tool was developed to examined six core competencies expected of registered nurses ³:

1. Critical Thinking
2. Communication
3. Technical Skills
4. Management of Care
5. Safe Practice
6. Professionalism & Ethical Practice