Simulation-based Training for Nurses and Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Currently, the technique of arteriovenous fistula puncture is transmitted by companionship within hemodialysis units. Although the main principles of the technique are well known and common to all hemodialysis units, strong rationales are still lacking to standardize fine practices such as the relative position of the needles, the angle of attack of the needle at puncture, the position of the bevel at the time of puncture and once the needle is in the vascular lumen.

The training of professionals using a simulation-based training program on the approach to arteriovenous fistula puncture, in a process of optimizing practices and continuous improvement of care, while respecting the principles of andragogy, seems to be a suitable tool. This program is built in a multi-professional team from nephrology, nursing and health simulation.

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a simulation-based training program for nurses, concerning arteriovenous fistula puncture puncture, would allow to decrease the adverse events related to punctures.

The investigators propose a prospective, comparative, randomized, multicenter study involving 8 hemodialysis centers. The primary objective is to compare the number of arteriovenous fistula puncture-related adverse events between:

• A group receiving theoretical training + simulation-based training (4 centers)

• A group receiving theoretical training only (4 centers)

Will be included all adult patients who are to receive an arteriovenous fistula puncture puncture by a hemodialysis-trained IDE, during a scheduled chronic dialysis session.

This study is innovative for several reasons:

• simulation-based training in continuing education, among professionals is not widely used

• simulation-based training in continuing education allows the conceptualization of the team approach to VF by its modeling in simulation

• the evaluation of the direct benefit of the training on the patient, a Kirkpatrick level 4, is very little described in the literature.

Thus, this study is of major interest to patients managed in nephrology with the simulation-based training tool.