How to use telesimulation to reduce COVID-19 training challenges: A recipe with free online tools and a bit of imagination

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. In response to COVID-19 outbreak, alternatives to face-to-face classes/seminars rapidly emerged and telecommunication platforms become the new classrooms. Although with additional challenges, telesimulation based classes can benefit from online platforms and innovative strategies, to promote a meaningful and interactive distance-learning experience. A combination of several free online resources is used to recreate (at distance) emergency simulation scenarios. Practicalities involving this strategy are described in the form of a recipe, including supplemental guides and an illustrative video, allowing its rapid implementation. Feedback from students on the educational gains was surveyed, as a preliminary evaluation of this methodology. The use of free online tools makes it accessible off-site and worldwide, including in low-resources locations. This strategy has high potential to be used in the transitional post-confinement period or as a future complement to physical settings.