Background
Mechanical ventilation (MV) management is an essential skill for pulmonary
and critical care medicine (PCCM) fellows to master during training. The
unprecedented emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
highlighted the need for advanced operator competency in MV to improve
patients’ outcomes.
Objective
We aimed to create a standardized case-based curriculum using a blended
approach of high-fidelity simulation, rapid-cycle deliberate practice, video
didactics, and hands-on small group sessions for rapid accumulation of
knowledge and hands-on skills for PCCM fellows before caring for critically
ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
The MV curriculum consisted of the following steps:
1
)
baseline written knowledge test with 15 multiple-choice questions covering
MV, the latest evidence-based practices, and pathophysiology of COVID-19;
2
) baseline confidence survey using a 5-point Likert
scale;
3
) a one-on-one session using a high-fidelity
simulation manikin, a lung simulator, and a mechanical ventilator to test
baseline competencies;
4
) a structured debriefing tailored
per fellow’s 50-point competency assessment checklist from the
simulation using rapid-cycle deliberate practice;
5
) video
didactics;
6
) a hands-on session in small groups for basic
knobology, waveforms, and modes of MV;
7
) a one-on-one
simulation reassessment session;
8
) a written knowledge
posttest; and
9
) a post-training confidence survey using a
5-point Likert scale.
Results
Eight PCCM fellows completed the training. The mean multiple-choice question
score increased from 7.4 ± 2.9 to 10.4 ±
2.4 (
P
< 0.05), and the simulation
scores increased from 17.1 ± 4.4 to
30.8 ± 3.7
(
P
< 0.05). Comparing the simulation
reassessment to the baseline, fellows showed significant improvement
(
P
< 0.05) in assessing
indications for MV; implementing rapid sequence intubation for patients with
COVID-19; initiating MV and ventilator bundle per best practices;
recognizing and managing mucous plugging, ventilator dyssynchrony, and
evidence-based treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome; and
developing a care plan for proning. The post-training survey revealed
improved learner confidence in all competencies.
Conclusion
This pilot MV curriculum using a blended approach was feasible and allowed
PCCM fellows to significantly improve their knowledge and hands-on skills,
allowing for the appropriate use of MV during the pandemic. Self-reported
improvement scores further reinforced this. The emergent need for novice
learners may again be necessary for future pandemic set...