Short-Term Retention of Patient and Caregiver Ventricular Assist Device Self-Care Skills After Simulation-Based Mastery Learning

We developed a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum that boosted self-care skills for patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD). In this study, we evaluated short-term skills retention. We assessed skill retention among patients and caregivers who participated in VAD self-care SBML at a tertiary care center. We compared discharge skills tests (immediately after completing SBML) with 1- and 3-month follow-up tests to assess skill retention. Fifteen patients and 15 caregivers completed discharge and follow-up testing. Skills were largely retained at 1 and 3 months. SBML results in short-term retention of VAD self-care skills. •Patients and caregivers completed self-care simulation-based mastery learning.•No prior studies evaluated patient and caregiver skill retention after simulation.•Patients and caregivers largely retained skills at 1- and 3-month follow-up.