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editorial
. 2020 Mar 11;6(4):196–198. doi: 10.1136/bmjstel-2020-000609

Table 1.

Challenges and possible solutions for simulation and technology-enhanced learning during COVID-19 outbreak in China

Approaches Challenges Possible solutions
Online learning

  1. MOOCs and other prerecorded online platforms;

  2. Teleconference software and mobile applications

 Lack of learner engagement, interaction and real-time feedback Online group discussion via social network services (phone applications and so on)
Course-delivery quality, technical failure Delivery platform how-to-use manual, testing before course presentation, improve recording environment
Learner progress monitoring Precourse and postcourse assignments
Mostly knowledge-based learning, not enough on clinical skills Add sessions on virtual lab/practical learning platform (eg, http://www.ilab-x.com/)
Simulation

  1. Training and maintaining procedural Skills (eg, hand hygiene, PPE)

  2. Specific patient management skills (eg, airway management, CRRT and ECMO)

  3. Training to adapting unfamiliar working environment

 Limited training resources; large number of HCWs that require training Reuse of equipment and materials; strive for support from the leadership
Limited qualified instructors Design, develop of course materials and fast iterations; training and maintain homogeneous, qualified faculty team
Limited time for course delivery Devising a reasonable training scheme: reduce total training-time, allow self-paced learning, adequate grouping and scheduling
Increased chance of infection Self-protection, health check (body temperature and so on) before attending training, avoid a large group of learners attending
Skill degradation over time Allow for repeated training routines, deploy just-in-time training mechanism
Systems probing

  1. Access to a certain area

  2. Time allocation

  3. Staff support and attending

 Seek support from hospital leadership and relevant departments (outpatient, fever clinic, department of infectious diseases, office of infectious control and so on)

CRRT, continuous renal replacement therapy; ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; HCW, healthcare worker; MOOCs, Massive Open Online Courses; PPE, personal protective equipmen.