Over the last several months we have pivoted our training and evaluation needs to target the growing needs of COVID-19 preparedness while still supporting critical programs not related to COVID-19.
Remote Learning & Meetings ? Utilizing tele-conferencing services like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, we have continued to lead instructional courses and informative meetings with students, faculty, Visiting Scholars and WISER staff. Although change can sometimes be difficult to handle, everyone has been taking it in stride and have been very supportive of these endeavors. To learn more about our remote learning success, please visit our article.
SimSeries & Open Forums ? Our Directors have been asked by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare to lead SimSeries discussion and open forums about conducting remote education, how our simulation center handles staff responsibilities during work from home situations, and how our center successfully returned to work on site. Additional information about these series and forums can be found here.
Mock Codes ? Several departments within UPMC have been conducting Mock Codes related to the care of COVID-19 patients. We have been supporting each of these efforts to help assure facilities are prepared for providing care to these critically ill patients and assuring our providers are protected and understand best practices related to PPE and care.
COVID-19 Specific Training – Practicing easy and difficult intubations while wearing a PAPR for COVID-19 can be a challenge. We have developed an interdisciplinary training program designed to familiarize physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists with key issues regarding intubation of COVID-19, or suspected COVID-19 patients in the Emergency Department. In addition, programs have been created to assist Critical Care Medicine providers with airway management skills utilizing new devices such as the McGrath Video Laryngoscope.
Testing of New Safety Devices ? Our faculty have reached out to us, to help them test new devices for caring for COVID-19 patients. These devices will help not only in the care for the patient but will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 particles to healthcare provides treating those patients. We are hopeful these efforts will lead to better care and a safer environment for our providers and patients. We are encouraged with the results of these tests and look forward to helping in future testing needs.
With remote learning, instructional videos, and studying how to care for patients with COVID-19, WISER has demonstrated its ability to adapt our training needs during a pandemic. We realize that there will be a new normal of operations this week, next month and over the next several months to come. We are motivated and determined more than ever to continue our commitment to educate and train others that are integral to high-quality patient care and safety, ensure we assist in the testing and development of procedures, protocols, and devices related to patient care and provider safety. We will continue to deliver world class training and education to be a leader in healthcare simulation.
?SSH SimSeries COIVD-19: Utilizing Zoom for Remote Simulation Education? with John Lutz, Director of Information Technology.
Practicing easy and difficult intubations while wearing a PAPR.
Testing new devices for caring for COVID-19 patients.