Ending Infusion Confusion: Evaluating a Virtual Intravenous Pump Educational Module

BackgroundProgramming intravenous (IV) infusion pumps challenges nursing students and may cause harm to patients if done improperly. A virtual IV pump module was developed to improve learner performance.MethodNursing students in the control group (n = 26) reviewed IV pump skills in the lab only, and nursing students in the experimental group (n = 17) also reviewed the virtual learning module. Participants were evaluated using a performance checklist and completed a survey about their confidence using IV pumps and satisfaction with the educational module.Results and conclusionsMany participants were not confident performing some of the IV pump skills. Experimental-group participants scored significantly higher than the control group at programming continuous medication infusions (p < .05). Overall, participants were satisfied with the module and found it easy and convenient to use. Results of this study will be used to improve the virtual IV pump educational module.