Supporting the Quadruple Aim Using Simulation and Human Factors During COVID-19 Care

Abstract

The health care sector has made radical changes to hospital operations and care delivery in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This article examines pragmatic applications of simulation and human factors to support the Quadruple Aim of health system performance during the COVID-19 era. First, patient safety is enhanced through development and testing of new technologies, equipment, and protocols using laboratory-based and in situ simulation. Second, population health is strengthened through virtual platforms that deliver telehealth and remote simulation that ensure readiness for personnel to deploy to new clinical units. Third, prevention of lost revenue occurs through usability testing of equipment and computer-based simulations to predict system performance and resilience. Finally, simulation supports health worker wellness and satisfaction by identifying optimal work conditions that maximize productivity while protecting staff through preparedness training. Leveraging simulation and human factors will support a resilient and sustainable response to the pandemic in a transformed health care landscape.

Flexibility during the COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Healthcare Facility Assessment Tools for Resilient Evaluation

“…The acceleration and stress caused by the pandemic have made the existing structural, organizational and technological challenges of worn-out and obsolete healthcare facilities even more compelling and increased the sense of urgency to redesign present facilities [ 6 ]. Healthcare facilities need to be designed in a dynamic way that can support the quadruple aim of healthcare, (4 interdependent goals consist of (1) enhancing patient experience and safety, (2) improving population health, (3) reducing costs and preventing loss of revenue, and (4) improving wellness and satisfaction of health care workers) while accommodating changes and recognizing the essential dependencies across networks of care [ 7 ]. A whole life-cycle approach to the healthcare facility operation is needed considering the rapid and constant alterations of healthcare environments resulting from transformations in medicine, technology and organizational changes [ 8 ].…”

The dangers of reused personal protective equipment: healthcare workers and workstation contamination

“…22 Future studies should focus on practical doffing methods for reused PPE while incorporating a deeper appreciation of human factors to support safe and consistent doffing practices. 23 …”

Using Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice to Up-Train Pediatric Providers for Adult COVID-19 Patients

“…We found that covering this content at the beginning allowed us to reiterate many of these key points during the pauses in the simulation. Studies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic found that simulation enhanced mental preparedness, self-efficacy, and participant's internal locus of control, all of which could improve patient and operational outcomes [5][6][7].…”