International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic our respiratory high dependency unit (RHDU) increased bed capacity by 200%, recruited new staff to provide high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support, and was relocated within the hospital. This created the need to upskill new staff to provide level 2 care to sick patients in a new environment [1]. We aimed to provide training to nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA), and junior doctors on RHDU via a multidisciplinary (MDT) simulation programmed to manage deteriorating respiratory patients. We also aimed to identify gaps in learning, policy, and procedures due to the relocation of RHDU.

Methods:

The pilot included 22 sessions of in-situ simulation, run weekly by a core faculty including a respiratory consultant, ward sister, senior HCA, and clinical educator. All scenarios focused on MDT working with effective assessments and handovers.

Results:

All staff members on the ward wore the same scrubs making it challenging to identify the job role or seniority of staff, and this was noticeable during the simulations. Coloured lanyards identifying job role were purchased and are now worn by all RHDU staff. An anaphylaxis simulation identified a time delay in finding the key to access emergency medication. A key safe has been purchased by the ward to house this key, ensuring it is always available in an emergency. The themes identified were: an increase in the confidence, competence, and knowledge of the MDT in recognising, responding, and treating medical emergencies. It also developed the working relationships between MDT members by highlighting the skill set of different professions, allowing for an exchange of knowledge across all working levels.

Conclusion:

Simulation is an excellent resource in problem solving and teaching. It provides a safe place to practise new skills and breaks down the barriers to effective communication within the MDT by creating a cohesive learning environment. Simulation must be an ongoing development for staff to ensure that skills are honed resulting in the best outcomes for our patients in an acute emergency. A monthly training programme has been developed consisting of four hours of simulation-based training using different levels of fidelity. We will continue to employ the use of MDT working to reflect real life working conditions based on the success of this pilot.

Reference

1. Almomani E, Sullivan J, Hajjieh M, Leighton K. Simulation-based education programme for upskilling non-critical care nurses for COVID-19 deployment. BMJ Simulation & Technology Enhanced Learning. 2020;7(5): 319–322.