3 Tips for Virtual Respiratory Simulation

Restrictions around social distancing have forced institutions to become inventive when looking for ways to teach. We know that providing hands-on training in a realistic environment allows learners to achieve the most growth and experience to take when them in their future careers. 

So, how can educators provide effective simulation training in a virtual environment? 

I put together 3 Tips for Virtual Respiratory Simulation. I hope these suggestions help educators continue to provide effective teaching opportunities in this new environment.


 

Tip #1:  Use technology to try to keep a consistent experience, when possible.

Teach the same concepts via the same methods the learners are already familiar with, making slight adjustments, as needed.

  • Instead of meeting in-person, use a virtual meeting platform to allow collaboration and screen-sharing.
  • Instead of hands-on training, use a camera with streaming capabilities to show the learners the assessments they’d use in the sim lab. If you don’t have a camera, use a video capture device to display your ventilator screen on your PC. For example, preset camera shots to show:
    • your ventilator screen (patient-ventilator interactions).
    • the patient monitor.
    • the manikin’s chest rise.
    • ETT placement.
  • Use monitors to help you maintain control of all moving parts while staying engaged with your learners. For example, use a monitor to see:
    1. what you’re showing your learners via your shared screen (we’ve all shared the wrong screen before!).
    2. what your camera is streaming to make sure you’re zoomed in on the right assessments.
    3. a maximized view of your learners on-camera in the virtual meeting.

Tip #2:  Engage and involve the learners as much as possible.

  • All cameras on — the learners see the instructor and the instructor sees all learners!
  • Involve the learner in as many parts of the simulation as possible, just as they would in the sim center. Your learner will use the instructor as their avatar! Here is an example scenario for inspiration:
    1. The instructor will show the learners the patient monitor and the ventilator screen.
    2. Learner:  “The patient is tachycardic. I see the patient is also hypertensive and breathing fast. All of those assessments lead me to believe the patient may be in distress.”
    3. Instructor:  “What is the ventilator showing you?”
    4. Learner:  “I can see that the flow on the flow waveform is not returning to baseline. This is an indication that the patient is not fully exhaling, which can lead to air trapping.”
    5. Instructor:  “What would you like to do next?”
    6. Learner:  “Please take the rate down on the ventilator to 12.”
    7. The instructor turns the rate down, and the dysynchrony on the ventilator will resolve. The instructor will provide improved vitals on the patient monitor.

Tip #3:  Consult with IngMar Medical!

Our clinical education team and product specialists can help you save time and make efficient use of your resources to achieve your goals.

  • Develop custom patient patterns or scenarios.
  • Integrate scenarios into your current education or research.
  • Plan and deliver your ventilator bootcamp or in-service training

 

What’s Next?

Due to the growing need of virtual learning, IngMar Medical has been brainstorming ways to make virtual respiratory training even easier for you in the future.

Please take a minute to provide us with some incite on how you see your ventilation training occurring in the future.

 


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