Abstract
This presentation explores "Patient Care Basics," a transformative orientation session designed to equip newly onboarded patient support staff with knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver exceptional patient-centered care. A needs assessment revealed a gap regarding leadership and patient-centered care. This program addresses the vital role of patient support team members by adapting adult learning principles and foundational patient care concepts. We identified the unique needs of these often first-time healthcare workers by collaboration with stakeholders.
"Patient Care Basics" utilizes a two-part, session-based approach. The first session immerses participants in a collaborative hospital leadership simulation. Working in small groups, participants establish standards for exceptional patient care in safety, hygiene, and communication. This fast-paced, brainstorming activity builds ownership and understanding of the organization's culture and expectations. Debriefing and discussions follow, allowing for reflection and knowledge solidification.
The second session focuses on practical skills development. Team members analyze patient histories, strategize care plans, and practice essential patient care skills, all while critically examining how these methods can be adapted for individual patient needs. This experiential learning fosters confidence to provide dignified and individualized care.
Our team developed two instruments: a pre-knowledge survey (completed prior to the session) and post-knowledge survey (completed at the end of the orientation session). Preliminary analysis of pre- and post-program knowledge surveys (n=370) demonstrates a statistically significant increase in knowledge scores (p < 0.001). Participants' pre-test scores (M = 21.88, SD = 5.81) were lower compared to their post-test scores (M = 24.31, SD = 5.97). A paired-samples t-test was conducted to evaluate the impact on learners' knowledge scores. There was a statistically significant increase in scores from the pre-test (M = 21.88, SD = 5.81) to the post-test (M = 24.31, SD = 5.97), �� (369)=−7.565, p<0.001 t(369)=−7.565, p <0.001
"Patient Care Basics" empowers patient support staff to become patient care leaders. This innovative program, built on collaboration and adult learning principles, equips new team members with knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver exceptional patient-centered care, aligning with the organization's mission of providing the best patient care outcomes.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Kappa Gamma
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Curriculum Development, Transition to Practice, Onboarding, Workforce, Nursing Education, Advances in Education
Recommended Citation
Coyne, Colleen; Xavier, Elizabeth Thachanalil; and Romancyck, Cristina, "Back to Basics: Empowering our Patient Support Team Members as Healthcare Leaders" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 74.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/74
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-11-20
Back to Basics: Empowering our Patient Support Team Members as Healthcare Leaders
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
This presentation explores "Patient Care Basics," a transformative orientation session designed to equip newly onboarded patient support staff with knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver exceptional patient-centered care. A needs assessment revealed a gap regarding leadership and patient-centered care. This program addresses the vital role of patient support team members by adapting adult learning principles and foundational patient care concepts. We identified the unique needs of these often first-time healthcare workers by collaboration with stakeholders.
"Patient Care Basics" utilizes a two-part, session-based approach. The first session immerses participants in a collaborative hospital leadership simulation. Working in small groups, participants establish standards for exceptional patient care in safety, hygiene, and communication. This fast-paced, brainstorming activity builds ownership and understanding of the organization's culture and expectations. Debriefing and discussions follow, allowing for reflection and knowledge solidification.
The second session focuses on practical skills development. Team members analyze patient histories, strategize care plans, and practice essential patient care skills, all while critically examining how these methods can be adapted for individual patient needs. This experiential learning fosters confidence to provide dignified and individualized care.
Our team developed two instruments: a pre-knowledge survey (completed prior to the session) and post-knowledge survey (completed at the end of the orientation session). Preliminary analysis of pre- and post-program knowledge surveys (n=370) demonstrates a statistically significant increase in knowledge scores (p < 0.001). Participants' pre-test scores (M = 21.88, SD = 5.81) were lower compared to their post-test scores (M = 24.31, SD = 5.97). A paired-samples t-test was conducted to evaluate the impact on learners' knowledge scores. There was a statistically significant increase in scores from the pre-test (M = 21.88, SD = 5.81) to the post-test (M = 24.31, SD = 5.97), �� (369)=−7.565, p<0.001 t(369)=−7.565, p <0.001
"Patient Care Basics" empowers patient support staff to become patient care leaders. This innovative program, built on collaboration and adult learning principles, equips new team members with knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver exceptional patient-centered care, aligning with the organization's mission of providing the best patient care outcomes.
Description
A collaborative effort with key stakeholders resulted in a novel, technology-free orientation program for patient support team members. This program establishes a baseline understanding of patient care principles while addressing diverse participants. A knowledge survey demonstrated statistically significant improvement of mean scores. This program fostered increased engagement and positive experiences, contributing to enhanced teamwork and a strengthened commitment to patient safety.