Remote Simulation: Training in the Covid era
Authors: Heffernan, C., Smith-Vidal, A. and Simon, C.
Conference: 14th International scientific conference of the Society of Acute Medicine: Glasgow
Abstract:Abstract Introduction: Real-time patient simulation is an established and effective method of education in the hospital setting by having trainees demonstrate what they can do (Miller, 1990). Time pressures and rota gaps make it difficult for trainees to attend regional educational days. Driven by COVID-19, we developed a novel form of remote interactive patient simulation which has proved highly effective for our postgraduate physician associates (PAs). Potentially this could enable trainees and multidisciplinary staff members to access this form of education from any convenient location and work together to solve the case.
Method: Thirty PAs participated in five remote, real-time, interactive patient simulation sessions (each 2-3 hours). The onsite group, were linked up to the virtual classroom, where the rest of the students were able to see the model, observations and a PowerPoint, that showed results that were asked for. The virtual students took the history and asked the onsite time to exam and report their findings. Using the virtual classroom, polls and the chat box used to stimulate clinical reasoning. Results: 90% of students scored their learning experience as good to very good. Most participants agreed that they gained “clinical knowledge to apply to practice”. Two-thirds of participants agreed the learning was as effective as on-site patient simulation. By the final session, participants described remote patient simulation as “smooth” and “familiar”.
Discussion: Simulation provides all stages of Kolb’s cycle: Do, observe, think and plan. Being higher on the Miller’s pyramid of clinical competence, this method allows trainees to show what they can do, both in assessment and reporting of findings to the virtual group. With virtual classroom environment, different groups can join in without the need to travel, allowing more diverse discussions. With the current social distancing guidelines, this allows for continued simulation without reducing participants.
Source: Manual