Enhancing departmental preparedness for COVID-19 using rapid-cycle in-situ simulation

A Dharamsi; K Hayman; S Yi; R Chow; C Yee; E Gaylord; D Tawadrous; L B Chartier; M Landes

doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.020

Enhancing departmental preparedness for COVID-19 using rapid-cycle in-situ simulation

J Hosp Infect. 2020 Aug;105(4):604-607. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.020. Epub 2020 Jun 13.

Authors

A Dharamsi¹, K Hayman², S Yi³, R Chow⁴, C Yee⁵, E Gaylord⁵, D Tawadrous², L B Chartier², M Landes³

Affiliations

¹ Emergency Department, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address: alia.dharamsi@gmail.com.
² Emergency Department, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
³ Emergency Department, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
⁴ The Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
⁵ Emergency Department, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

In response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a rapid-cycle in-situ simulation (ISS) programme was developed to facilitate identification and resolution of systems-based latent safety threats. The simulation involved a possible COVID-19 case in respiratory failure, using a mannequin modified to aerosolize phosphorescent secretions. Thirty-six individuals participated in five ISS sessions over 6 weeks, and a further 20 individuals observed these sessions. Debriefing identified latent safety threats from four domains: personnel, personal protective equipment, supply/environment and communication. These threats were addressed and resolved in later iterations. Ninety-four percent of participants felt more prepared to care for a potential case of COVID-19 after the ISS.

Keywords: COVID-19; Respiratory infections; Simulation.

MeSH terms

Adult
Betacoronavirus
COVID-19
Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
Disaster Planning / organization & administration*
Epidemics / prevention & control*
Female
Health Personnel / education*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pandemics / prevention & control*
Patient Safety / standards*
Personal Protective Equipment / standards*
Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
Pregnancy
SARS-CoV-2
Simulation Training / organization & administration*