A skills acquisition study on ECMOjo: a screen-based simulator for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation relies heavily on didactic teaching, emphasizing on essential cognitive skills, but overlooking core behavioral skills such as leadership and communication. Therefore, simulation-based training has been adopted to instill clinical knowledge through immersive experiences. Despite simulation-based training’s effectiveness, training opportunities are lessened due to high costs. This is where screen-based simulators come into the scene as affordable and realistic alternatives. Aim: This article evaluates the educational efficacy of ECMOjo, an open-source screen-based extracorporeal membrane oxygenation simulator that aims to replace extracorporeal membrane oxygenation didactic instruction in an interactive and cost-effective manner. Method: A prospective cohort skills acquisition study was carried out. A total of 44 participants were pre-assessed, divided into two groups, where the first group received traditional didactic teaching, and the second used ECMOjo. Participants were then evaluated through a wet lab assessment and two questionnaires. Results: The obtained results indicate that the two assessed groups show no statistically significant differences in knowledge and efficacy. Hence, ECMOjo is considered an alternative to didactic teaching as per the learning outcomes. Conclusion: The present findings show no significant dissimilarities between ECMOjo and didactic classroom-based teaching. Both methods are very comparable in terms of the learner’s reported self-efficacy and complementary to mannequin-based simulations.

Human factors in ECLS – A keystone for safety and quality – A narrative review for ECLS providers

“…From those, 25 publications indicated that the authors addressed human behaviors, communication and leadership skills, situational awareness and teamwork related to ECLS education and simulation training. 7 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 Although much literature has emerged on identifying and optimizing human factors in high‐stress situations, little has been published on the specific ECLS‐related challenges. Guidance on the human factors influencing approach of creating ECLS teams, and managing these patients is lacking and mostly relies on individual institutional practice.…”

“…The financial costs of simulation equipment limit their availability for ECLS training purposes 69,70 . Screen‐based simulators offer affordable and realistic alternatives 18 . The financial impact of simulator based ECLS education is currently unknown, complex to understand, and challenging to predict.…”

“… 69 , 70 Screen‐based simulators offer affordable and realistic alternatives. 18 The financial impact of simulator based ECLS education is currently unknown, complex to understand, and challenging to predict. However, it is also difficult to balance the cost of education against the potential costs associated with preventable medical errors and associated morbidity.…”

Simulation Based Clinical Skill Training; A Need Of Time

“…Skills are mastered without the involvement of the real patient; thus, patient safety is not compromised (11). Many forms of simulation can be used; from simple skill training models to full body mannequins for the clinical skills learning (12) (13).…”

Three-Dimensional Game-Based Cardiopulmonary Bypass Training

“…Moreover, used before mannequinbased training, computer simulations yield better learning and increase students' confidence (Curtin, Finn, Czosnowski, Whitman, & Cawley, 2011). Some computer simulators exist for training extracorporeal blood circulation, for instance ECMOjo (Alsalemi et al, 2020), but they focus on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and not on CPB.…”