Use of Virtually Facilitated Simulation to Improve COVID-19 Preparedness in Rural and Remote Canada

Abstract

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SimUniversity at a distance: a descriptive account of a team-based remote simulation competition for health professions students

“…Reece et al describe the benefits of using virtually facilitated simulation and virtual debriefing using the Zoom teleconference platform, for COVID-19 preparedness in Rural Canada. The virtually facilitated simulation was shown to be both a viable and cost-effective method of delivering simulation-based education during the COVID pandemic and effectively mobilized a team of interprofessional co-facilitators to support learners in geographically remote locations [ 15 ]. Other applications of remote simulation include both team-based training sessions in emergency medicine and neonatal resuscitation [ 16 , 17 ] as well as procedural task training such as laparoscopic surgery and intraosseous needle insertion [ 12 , 18 ].…”

Conceptual analysis and applicability of telesimulation in health education: A scoping review

“…8 It is in this context that telesimulation is evidenced as a strategy to provide support to practices and development of skills and abilities in health education. 6,8,9,13,16,22,25,26 The articles analyzed in this study present several possibilities for the use of telesimulation in health education; however, there is a lack of conceptualization of the term telesimulation in the articles.…”

A Pan-Canadian Narrative Review on the Protocols for COVID-19 and Canadian Emergency Departments

“…The BCEHS is the primary out of hospital health service for the province of British Columbia. 7 Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCEHS had already cultivated therapeutic relationships with approximately 99 rural and remote communities within the province, that had limited access to healthcare. 7 BCEHS was effectively providing virtual care for patients in these rural communities before the pandemic and continued to do so throughout.…”

“…Additionally, BCEHS saw an increase in the number of home-visit requests. 7 This strategy was originally proposed and utilized in order to limit the number of individuals presenting to the emergency departments for healthcare issues that could be managed appropriately and effectively at home, attempting to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 6 Looking beyond paramedic services, some children's hospitals also implemented emergency department services via a virtual platform.…”

“…Depending on the definition that is used, approximately 19-30 percent of Canadians live in a rural setting. 7 It has been chronically documented that Canadians who live in a rural setting face disproportionate health burdens and needs. 17 The specific needs of rural emergency departments in Canada may vary between provinces and territories however, most are faced with similar challenges.…”