Background and Aims

Simulation-based medical education (SBME) has a crucial role in the preparedness for public-health emergencies. COVID-19 outbreak brings many modifications to the conditions of life and healthcare including SBME. The aim of the study was to explore preparedness, methods and maintenance of simulation activities and to match pandemic peaks and valleys with simulation activities of each center.

Methods

International multicentre survey study with questionnaire sent to ESPNIC, SECIP, SLACIP and GISP members.

Results

Fifty-one centers completed the survey from 18 countries. Major results about differences between countries are summed up in tables 1 and 2, showing significant dissimilarities in time to train in advanced and technology availability. Training was most often delivered in situ and the most common scenario was PPE training (88.2%) followed by airway management/intubation (62.7%), CPR (43.1%), transport (35.3%) and initial assessment of COVID patients (33%). 82.4% conducted multidisciplinary simulation-training. Main issues related to team dynamics were anxiety of the team (62.74%) and communication trough the PPE (60.78%). The engagement of the team was more than usual. Non-COVID simulation-based activities continued in the 70.6% but with less frequency, less participants and changes on training modes. Remote-simulation was used in the 17.6% for COVID training and in the 23.5% for non-COVID activities.

Conclusions

SBME remains essential, also in extraordinary times, but must be adapted. The “new normal” in medical education includes remote learning tools and telesimulation as effective solutions to support educational activities despite social distancing.

Background and Aims

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals visiting policies changed, mainly due to concerns relating to visitor-driven viral transmission. Family visitation policies were especially restricted in adult and paediatric critical care areas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate visiting policies of PICUs around the world; and how pandemic affected these policies.

Methods

A web-based survey was designed and disseminated through social networks, email or direct messages.

Results

241 answers were received. From these, 23 were excluded (11 missing location, 12 duplications), totalling 218 answers. Europe accounted for 35% of responses (n=77); South America, 22,4% (n=49); North America, 19% (n=41); Asia, 16,5% (n=36); Central America, 2,7% (n=6), Oceania and Africa, 2,2% each (n=5 each). Pre-pandemic, reported admission policies already varied between continents. Family time schedules remained similar to the pre-pandemic period in half of European, Central and South American units. By contrast, they changed in 60% of Asian, African, North American and Oceanian units. Entrance to PICUs was granted to patients and caregivers that tested negative for SARSCOV-2 only in part of responding PICUs. Predictably, the implementation of gowning requirements and hand hygiene upon PICU admission intensified during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Visiting policies changes were observed in most PICUs worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation was even prohibited altogether in some units. These changes can decrease parental participation and a shared decision-making process with healthcare providers, in turn this is likely to impact negatively on both children and parental well-being.