PG80 Using simulation training to introduce medical students and new foundation doctors to COVID-19. (10th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boulstridge, Lisa; Cleto, Cindy Rodrigues; Stenhouse, Craig; Craig, Debra
• Is Part Of: BMJ simulation & technology enhanced learning. Volume 6(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A74
• Page End: A74
• Publication Date: 2020-11-10
• Subjects: Medicine -- Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Medical innovations -- Periodicals; 610.113
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjstel-2020-aspihconf.128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6697

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic began to surge in the UK, medical students were removed from clinical placements. Consequently many medical students, including those transitioning into foundation posts in August 2020, have had little direct experience of managing patients with COVID-19. This study reports on two simulation training activities which were designed to introduce 3rd year medical students and new foundation doctors to the key clinical and communication challenges of treating patients with COVID-19. The simulated scenarios and the outcome of training will be presented. Methods: 21 3rd year medical students undertook a teaching session on breaking bad news. A modified SBAR 1 model was taught as a consultation framework. Simulated scenarios, included two patients deteriorating from COVID-19 and telephone consultations with the patients' families. Students wore surgical masks and undertook the role of junior doctor and patient or relative. Subsequently, four students acted as simulated patients in an induction training event for new foundation doctors. This included a patient with symptoms and signs of COVID-pneumonia and a simulated consultant ward round. Anonymised written questionnaires, which incorporated qualitative and quantitative elements, were used to evaluate both training sessions. Results: 95% of the students rated their course as excellent. Free-text responses revealed the training had demonstrated the impact of COVID-19 and PPE on clinical practice and communication; given them an insight into the experiences of clinicians during the pandemic and provided a framework for their first attempts at breaking bad news consultations. The students who participated in the foundation doctors' training all felt this benefitted their learning and taught them about patients' and junior doctors' perspectives. All foundation doctors rated their training at effective or highly effective. They commented on the benefits of practicing acute assessment, escalation decisions and presentation skills before staring work as a doctor. Discussion: The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact upon medical education, causing concern about the loss of clinical experience. 2 As a result, a range of innovative teaching models have been proposed and reported on worldwide. 3 Simulation offers an ideal training opportunity in which realistic clinical and communication scenarios can be replicated to facilitate learning. References: Quality, Service Improvement and Redesign Tools: SBAR communication tool – situation, background, assessment, recommendation. NHS Improvement, 2018. Available at: https://improvement.nhs.uk/documents/2162/sbar-communication-tool.pdf Ahmed H, Allaf M, Elghazaly H. COVID-19 and medical education. The Lancet Infectious Diseases 2020; published online March 23. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30226-7 Dedeilia A, Sotiropoulos MG, Hanrahan JG, et al. Medical and surgical education challenges and innovations in the COVID-19 era: a systematic review. In Vivo 2020; 34:1603–1611. doi: 10.21873/invivo.11950