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. 2020 May 27;7(3):126-133.
doi: 10.1136/bmjstel-2020-000626. eCollection 2021.

Simulation-based training programme and preparedness testing for COVID-19 using system integration methodology

Hani M S Lababidi  1   2 , Usamah Alzoraigi  2 , Abdullah Abdulaziz Almarshed  2 , Waleed AlHarbi  2 , Mohamad AlAmar  2 , Amer A Arab  2 , Mahmoud A Mukahal  3 , Faisal A AlAsmari  3 , Bandar Y Mzahim  4 , Husam A M AlHarastani  4 , Salem S Alammi  4 , Yousef I AlAwad  4
Affiliations

Simulation-based training programme and preparedness testing for COVID-19 using system integration methodology

Hani M S Lababidi et al. BMJ Simul Technol Enhanc Learn. .

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is presenting serious challenges to the world's healthcare systems. The high communicability of the COVID-19 necessitates robust medical preparedness and vigilance.

Objective: To report on the simulation-based training and test preparedness activities to prepare healthcare workers (HCWs) for effective and safe handling of patients with COVID-19.

Methodology: Two activities were conducted: simulation-based training to all HCWs and a full-scale unannounced simulation-based disaster exercise at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC). The online module was designed to enhance the knowledge on COVID-19. This module was available to all KFMC staff. The five hands-on practical part of the course was available to frontliner HCWs. The unannounced undercover simulated patients' full-scale COVID-19 simulation-based disaster exercise took place in the emergency department over 3 hours. Six scenarios were executed to test the existing plan in providing care of suspected COVID-19 cases.

Results: 2620 HCWs took the online module, 17 courses were conducted and 337 frontliner HCWs were trained. 94% of learners were satisfied and recommended the activity to others. The overall compliance rate of the full-scale COVID-19 disaster drill with infection control guidelines was 90%. Post-drill debriefing sessions recommended reinforcing PPE training, ensuring availability of different sizes of PPEs and developing an algorithm to transfer patients to designated quarantine areas.

Conclusion: Simulation-based training and preparedness testing activities are vital in identifying gaps to apply corrective actions immediately. In the presence of a highly hazardous contagious disease like COVID-19, such exercises are a necessity to any healthcare institution.

Keywords: COVID-19; disaster simulation; emergency department; quality improvement; simulation based Education.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
COVID-19 algorithm for screening and triage of patients arriving to emergency department (ED). CTAS, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale; EMS, Emergency Medical Services; ICU, intensive care unit; MOH, Ministry of Health; PPEs, personal protective equipments.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Visual triage checklist for acute respiratory illness. CAD, coronary artery disease; MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; MRN, medical record number.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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