Now that most Intensive Care Units are no longer overcrowded with COVID-19 patients, regular care is slowly being resumed and borrowed equipment can be returned to its original location. We are pleased that we have been able to contribute and support many hospitals in scaling up their ICU capacity by means our simulations-based e-training. Time for a retrospect on this hectic period.
The first request
The first request for training came in by mid-March. To create additional capacity for COVID-19 patients who needed respiratory care, the hospital deployed the respiratory OR equipment at the ICU. Supported by the manufacturer, these beds were quickly arranged, but the ICU staff still had to be trained on the for them unknown, high-risk devices. That same day, our simulation-based e-training was put at the disposal for over 80 ICU nurses to help them to familiarize themselves with the equipment. In the following weeks, one hospital after another scaled up their ICU capacity and the demand for LeQuest e-training increased rapidly.
Over 1000 ICU nurses trained
In total, LeQuest trained over a thousand ICU nurses. One of the department heads shared her experiences with us afterwards: “It's great that we could get the e-learning from you so quickly. It certainly helped employees. They suddenly had to work with a device that they did not know. Therefore, colleagues completed this e-learning for their first working day at the COVID-ICU.”
Useful as reference material as well
Even though in some hospitals the equipment was used under the supervision of an experienced anesthesia assistant, there was a need for additional information: “To my opinion, the team was happy to have the e-training available for extra explanation. The e-training was clear and pleasant in design.”
Introduction of new ICU equipment
At the same time, the use of new ICU equipment, such as infusion pumps, also accelerated. Because everyone had to use the new equipment within a week, it was not possible for the key users to train all their colleagues face-to-face and alternatives had to be found. Previous positive experiences with LeQuest made the e-training an obvious choice. Within a day, the e-training was implemented in the learning management system of the hospital and the staff was able to get started. In this way they were not only trained quickly, but their competence was also automatically registered.
After the crisis...
In response to the question whether the added value of a LeQuest e-training is seen, even after the crisis, the answer is unanimously positive: “It was an elaborate and structured training. I think it can be a nice preparation for practical application.”
Are you looking for a suitable solution to prepare your healthcare professionals for working with new medical equipment? Or are you preparing for a possible new COVID-19 outbreak? Please contact us today. We are happy to help you finding a suitable solution.
