Training and education of healthcare workers during viral epidemics: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundIt is necessary to train a large number of healthcare workers (HCW) within a limited time to ensure adequate human resources during an epidemic. There remains an urgent need for best practices on development and implementation of training programmes.ObjectiveTo explore published literature in relation to training and education for viral epidemics as well as the effect of these interventions to inform training of HCW.Data sourcesSystematic searches in five databases performed between 1 January 2000 and 24 April 2020 for studies reporting on educational interventions in response to major viral epidemics.Study eligibility criteriaAll studies on educational interventions developed, implemented and evaluated in response to major global viral outbreaks from 2000 to 2020.ParticipantsHealthcare workers.InterventionsEducational or training interventions.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsDescriptive information were extracted and synthesised according to content, competency category, educational methodology, educational effects and level of educational outcome. Quality appraisal was performed using a criterion-based checklist.ResultsA total of 15 676 records were identified and 46 studies were included. Most studies were motivated by the Ebola virus outbreak with doctors and nurses as primary learners. Traditional didactic methods were commonly used to teach theoretical knowledge. Simulation-based training was used mainly for training of technical skills, such as donning and doffing of personal protective equipment. Evaluation of the interventions consisted mostly of surveys on learner satisfaction and confidence or tests of knowledge and skills. Only three studies investigated transfer to the clinical setting or effect on patient outcomes.Conclusions and implications of findingsThe included studies describe important educational experiences from past epidemics with a variety of educational content, design and modes of delivery. High-level educational evidence is limited. Evidence-based and standardised training programmes that are easily adapted locally are recommended in preparation for future outbreaks.

Effectiveness and Utility of Virtual Reality Infection Control Simulation for Children With COVID-19: Quasi-Experimental Study

“…These common findings support the fact that video-based prebriefing further enhances the training effects of simulation compared to standard prebriefing that simply delivers information. According to Nayahangan et al [ 42 ], simulation-based training for medical staff has been mostly focused on clinical procedures related to practical skills. Ragazzoni et al [ 43 ] proposed a VR simulation model combining operational public health skills and hybrid skills training for infection control and Ebola treatment and management.…”

Effect of virtual reality simulation training on the response capability of public health emergency reserve nurses in China: a quasiexperimental study

“…Thus, it is crucially important to train the technical skills, and carry out emergency drills in the background of COVID-19 for emergency reserve nurses, so as to help the trainees to quickly master the essentials, adapt to the work context and improve their emergency rescue abilities. In the immersive learning environment of our programme, the trainees can learn the theories and practise technical skills, which are essential to treat and care patients with 37 40-48 Nayahangan et al 9 systematically reviewed the training and education of medical staff during the infectious disease epidemic, and indicated that the studies about the simulation-based training mostly focused on training practical skill-related clinical procedures. Nair and Kaufman 7 used simulation to train ICU staff and noncritical care unit staff to familiarise themselves with the revised COVID-19 care procedures, including respiratory failure, circulatory failure, bedside ultrasound, bedside ICU procedures and elements of COVID-19-specific care, finally found it had a good training effect.…”

Training with High Fidelity Simulation in the Care of Patients with Coronavirus—A Learning Experience in Native Health Care Multi-Professional Teams

“…In this sense, the practice of technical skills, as well as the application of procedures (maneuvers in the management of the airway, ventilation therapies, etc. ), and the use of personal protection equipment were urgent matters, in detriment to the non-technical competences, such as communication skills or caring for colleagues [46].…”