Effects of a clinically led combined with “sandwich” teaching on professional performance, learning engagement, and core competencies among cardiac surgery ICU nurses - Report - MDSpire
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Impact of a Clinically Guided "Sandwich" Teaching Approach on Professional Development, Learning Involvement, and Essential Skills in Cardiac Surgery ICU Nursing Staff

  • By

  • Liqin Mo

  • Yunyun Zeng

  • Yunxiao Liang

  • Changfeng Huang

  • August 20, 2026

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Clinical Report: Impact of a Clinically Guided 'Sandwich' Teaching Approach

Overview

This study evaluates the effects of a clinically led 'sandwich' teaching model on the professional development of nurses in the Cardiac Surgery ICU. Improvements in theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and core competencies were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Background

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases necessitates enhanced professional competencies among nursing staff in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU). Effective training is crucial as nurses must manage complex clinical conditions and make rapid decisions. Traditional teaching methods may not adequately prepare nurses for the challenges faced in the CSICU.

Data Highlights

OutcomeIntervention GroupControl Group
Theoretical KnowledgeImprovement (p < 0.05)No Significant Change
Critical Care Nursing SkillsImprovement (p < 0.05)Improvement
Specialized Technical SkillsImprovement (p < 0.05)No Significant Change
Learning EngagementIncreased (p < 0.05)No Significant Change (p = 0.066)
Core CompetenciesAll Dimensions Improved (p < 0.05)No Baseline Differences

Key Findings

  • The intervention group showed improvements in theoretical knowledge (p < 0.05).
  • Critical care nursing skills improved in both groups, while specialized technical skills improved only in the intervention group.
  • Total learning engagement increased in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
  • All five core competency dimensions were higher in the intervention group post-training (p < 0.05).
  • No baseline differences were found across core competency dimensions.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that the clinically led 'sandwich' teaching model may enhance the training of nurses in specialized surgical environments like the CSICU.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the 'sandwich' teaching model can enhance the professional development of CSICU nurses, particularly in theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Guinat, A. & Vincent, F., Critical Care, 2026 -- Better teaching in the intensive care unit: navigating a complex, multi-disciplinary learning environment
  2. Guinat, A. & Vincent, F., Critical Care, 2026 -- Better teaching in the ICU: from educational principles to case-based, visualization-guided, and AI-enhanced training infrastructure
  3. Surgical Endoscopy, 2022 -- Evaluating the Effectiveness of Online Versus In-Person Surgical Skills Training: A Comparative Analysis of Technological Innovations in Education
  4. Surgical Endoscopy — Training in situational awareness through video improves performance in minimally invasive surgery: results from a randomized controlled trial
  5. ERAS Cardiac/STS expert consensus
  6. CPR and ECC Guidelines | American Heart Association
  7. Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines on Adult End-of-Life Care in the ICU
  8. ELSO Guidelines
  9. Effectiveness of drug interventions to prevent delirium after surgery for older adults: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
  10. The Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Delirium in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Bayesian Meta‐Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis - PMC
  11. Ultra-fast extubation following cardiac surgery improves hemodynamic stability and reduces ICU workload
  12. Early Mobilization Following Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review of Functional and Hospital Outcomes - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Effects of a clinically led combined with “sandwich” teaching on professional performance, learning engagement, and core competencies among cardiac surgery ICU nurses

  • by Liqin Mo, Yunyun Zeng, Yunxiao Liang, Changfeng Huang

  • August 20, 2026

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