Simulation-based training and assessment of mobile pre-hospital SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic teams in Styria, Austria

Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Jul 17;99(29):e21081. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021081.

Abstract

The World Health Organization has declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. Polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the diagnostic gold standard of COVID-19. We have developed a simulation-based training program for mobile prehospital diagnostic teams in the province of Styria, Austria, and performed a prospective observational study on its applicability and effectivity.The 1-day curriculum uses theoretical instruction, technical skills training, and simulator-based algorithm training to teach and train prehospital patient identification and communication, donning the personal protective equipment, collection of naso-/oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing, doffing the personal protective equipment, and sample logistics. Trainings were conducted at the SIM CAMPUS simulation hospital, Eisenerz, using high-fidelity patient simulation. To ensure achievement of predefined learning outcomes, participants had to undergo a final simulator-based objective structured clinical examination.In March 2020, 45 emergency medical assistants and 1 physician of the Austrian Red Cross participated on a voluntary basis. Forty-five of the 46 participants (97.8%) completed the curriculum successfully, with mean objective structured clinical examination ratings of 98.6%.Using several proven educational concepts, we have successfully drafted and implemented a training program for mobile prehospital SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic teams. Based on simulation-based objective structured examinations, it has prepared participants effectively for preclinical duties.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Ambulances / statistics & numerical data
  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification
  • Body Fluids / virology
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Curriculum
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / education
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
  • Prospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Simulation Training / methods*
  • Specimen Handling / methods