Ebola Virus Disease Simulation Case Series

Abstract

Quality practical exercises to include specialized task performance and collective teamwork training relied heavily on dedicated facilities and realistic medical simulation resulting in valuable lessons learned. In future iterations, these characteristics would be imperative to a successful training course.

‘VIOLET’: a fluorescence-based simulation exercise for training healthcare workers in the use of personal protective equipment

“…VIOLET could also be used for extended clinical scenarios and with other staff who might provide care for this type of patient. Other simulation studies have covered medical emergencies such as complications of EVD or cardiac arrest with SARS; they were effective in raising challenges and protocol failures in these highly stressful situations, allowing focused training ahead of potential real-life occurrence [35,40]. Whereas HCID training has often been targeted at staff in emergency departments and ID units, colleagues elsewhere, such as critical care, may also benefit from tailored exercises for their own scenarios and interventions, such as central line placement.…”

Simulation and Modeling Applications in Global Health Security

“…Courses include an online self-study component, a hands-on simulation workshop, and a data driven performance assessment toolset to provide debriefing [99]. The U.S. military has recognized that simulation training is an integral component for EID outbreak preparedness, and created a program of instruction outlining a formalized EVD training program using high fidelity simulation replicating the work environment inside an Ebola treatment unit [100].…”