Introduction This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating impacts of healthcare simulation training, either in-situ or lab-based, on personal strengths of healthcare workers (HCWs) and organizational outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods COVID-19 Taskforce was established to formulate standardized scenario-based simulation training materials in late-January 2020. Post-training questionnaires made up of 5-point Likert scales were distributed to all participants to evaluate their personal strengths, in terms of i) assertiveness, ii) mental preparedness, iii) self-efficacy, iv) internal locus of control, and v) internal locus of responsibility. Independent sample t-tests were used to analyze between-group difference in “In-situ” and “Lab-based” group; and one-sample t-tests were used to compare change in personal strengths with reference point of 3 (Neutral). Kirkpatrick’s Model served as the analytical framework for overall training effects. Results Between 05 February and 18 March 2020, 101 sessions of simulation training were conducted in “In-Situ” at either Accident & Emergency Department (20, 20%) or Intensive Care Unit (15, 14%) and “Lab-based” for Isolation (30, 30%) and General Wards (36, 36%). 1,415 hospital staff members, including 1,167 nurses (82%), 163 doctors (12%) and 85 patient care assistants (6%), were trained. All domains of personal strengths were scored 4.24 or above and statistically significantly increased when comparing with reference population ( p < .001). However, no significant differences between in-situ and lab-based simulation were found ( p > .05), for all domains of personal strengths. Conclusion Healthcare simulation training enhanced healthcare workers’ personal strengths critical to operational and clinical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of a crew resource management simulation-based training programme is a valuable teaching tool for frontline health care staff. Concepts of crew resource management were relevant to clinical practice. It is a highly rated training programme and our results support its broader application in Hong Kong.

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IntroductionIn early 2020, our hospital responded with high alertness when novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 appeared. A hospital-based training programme was rapidly arranged to prepare staff for the imminent threat.ObjectiveWe developed a hospital-wide multidisciplinary infection control training programme on endotracheal intubation for healthcare workers to minimise nosocomial spread of COVID-19 during this high-stress and time-sensitive risky procedure.MethodologyMajor stakeholders (Quality & Safety Department, Infection Control Team, Central Nursing Division, high-risk clinical departments and hospital training centre) formed a training programme task group. This group was tasked with developing high-fidelity scenario-based simulation training curriculum for COVID-19 endotracheal intubation with standard workflow and infection control practice. This group then implemented and evaluated the training programme for its effectiveness.Results101 training classes of 2-hour session were conducted from 5 February to 18 March 2020, involving 1415 hospital staff (~81% of target participants with training needs) either inside the hospital training centre or as in situ simulation training (intensive care unit or accident and emergency department). Learners’ satisfaction was reflected by overall positive response percentage at 90%. Opinions of participating staff were incorporated into the standard airway management and infection control practice for endotracheal intubation of adult patients with COVID-19. Thirty-five patients with COVID-19 were intubated with the current workflow and guideline without any nosocomial transmission.ConclusionAn early planned and well-structured multidisciplinary hospital-wide simulation training programme was organised expeditiously to provide extensive staff coverage. The insight and experience gained from this project is valuable for future infectious disease challenges.

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