Recommendations for the use of simulation methods in a selected area of health sciences based on an example simulation scenario

Over the past two decades, there has been rapid and enthusiastic acceptance of the simulation in medical education on the international stage. Poland compared to other countries has become unique due to the possibility of developing simulation and education by training teachers who teach medical professions, and building simulation centres.One of the most important milestones in the development of the curriculum in medical and health sciences is the introduction of a simulation-based teaching method. Active teaching methods, including medical simulation, create conditions for independent learning,so they should be permanently included in the canon of education methods in the field of health sciences

Managing patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during the COVID-19 pandemic – a proposal for a nursing standard operating procedure

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is effective in a selected critically ill patient population with promising results in refractory hypoxemia related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, it requires specialized clinicians and resources in advanced technology. Moreover, the COVID-19 remains an ongoing global emergency, and there is no evidence-based practice in preparedness. This article proposes an innovative and optimized nursing care protocol, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), that regulates safety and efficiency in using personal protective equipment (PPE) during ECMO-relevant procedures while providing ECMO therapy for patients with COVID-19. Methods After performing a narrative literature search, we developed a high-fidelity translational simulation scenario. It included practicing appropriate donning and doffing PPE during work organization, ECMO-related procedures, and routine daily nursing care and management of ECMO over nine hours. In addition, we held supplementary constructive debrief meetings to consult international expert in the field. Results A proposal for nursing standardized operating procedures was created, divided into categories. They included work organization, workload references, competences, infrastructural conditions, cannulation equipment, daily routine nursing care, and procedures during ECMO. Conclusions High-fidelity medical simulation can play an important role in staff training, improvement in previously gained proficiency, and development of optimal SOP for nursing care and management during ECMO in patients with COVID-19. Optimal SOPs may further guide multidisciplinary teams, including intensive care units and interventional departments

Communication skills learning during medical studies in Poland: opinions of final-year medical students

INTRODUCTION: Despite the increasing emphasis on the medical curriculum, students’ empathy and communicationskills decline with time. As students’ attitudes and experiences may influence the effectivenessof communication training and their future communication style, this study aimed to evaluate the opinionsof last-year medical students on communication skills learning.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the fully mixed concurrent equal status design methodology, we invitedsixth-year medical students of our university to fill a paper questionnaire with closed and open questions ontheir perspectives on communication skills learning.RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by a representative sample of 166 students. The majority of themrecognized the importance and benefits of communication training, and the need to increase its significancein the medical curriculum. They noticed that students with low communication skills lack motivationfor improvement. Students also underlined the significance of the hidden curriculum, reporting a contrastbetween communication classes and the behavior of some physicians. Moreover, students less positively inclinedtowards communication training doubted its effectiveness and importance, suggesting that it shouldbe offered for volunteers.CONCLUSIONS: In order to meet the expectations of students with positive opinions and overcome the lackof motivation or engagement of negatively inclined students, more emphasis should be placed on communicationtraining. Changes in communication training should include increasing its practical character andintensity, emphasizing its importance and benefits, and paying more attention to hidden curriculum aspects.Revisions to the medical school application system should be considered to underline the importanceof interpersonal competencies already at the admission stage