Implementing a Simulation-Based Distance Learning Model: How to Facilitate High-Engagement Experiential Training While Reducing the Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission Amongst Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Aim: We aim to describe and evaluate a new model for distance experiential learningin order to help reduce the transmission risk among professionals envolved in education activities. Materials and Methods: In April 2020, in partnership with our hospital's Emergency Department Educational Leadership, Valdecilla Virtual Hospital tested and introduced an experiential distance learning model. Professionals wanted to engage from their homes without having to travel to a simulation facility. Results: Between July 1 and 22, 2020 we ran seven courses following this new model of course. Each one consisted of a two-hour session on two consecutive days. There were 44 participants whose ages ranged from 26 to 53 years (average=40), 62% identified as female, and 68% reported working at the emergency department, 19% at the cardiology unit, 7% in primary care, and 5% in internal medicine. We evaluated the content validity, feasibility and acceptability of the model. The results of an anonymous survey filled in at the end of the course showed they considered the distance training model as realistic (92%), easy to use (95%), well-organized (94%), an engaging educational tool (94%), and desirable for practising in the future (94%). Conclusion: These results may encourage the educational community to develop more programs using this new approach of "taking care of patients from a distance" not only during a pandemic, but also on a regular basis. We think this model can achieve positive results using distance clinical simulation combining their traditional simulation technology to address the training needs of their healthcare organization.