Abstract
Rationale: There is extensive evidence that clinicians feel ill-prepared to deliver NIV in accordance with guidelines. SBT may bridge an emerging gap between skills and training opportunities.
Aims: We developed a unique high-fidelity online SBT programme for NIV aimed at improving knowledge, skills and confidence in NIV across the MDT with the support of a ERS Education Research grant and ResMed Ltd,.
Methods: A series of virtual patients covering common presentations requiring NIV was developed, based on mathematical models of physiological subsystems. The response of each virtual patient was tuned against physiological data and clinically reviewed for accuracy. The programme was packaged within an e-learning environment and evaluated in terms of objective knowledge and self-assessed competence using a prospective mixed methods study. Participants completed pre and post course MCQ tests of knowledge and Likert scale assessments of self-perceived competence in the practice of NIV in 4 key domains (Table 1).
Results: 762 participants took the course. 80% (n=330) had prior experience with NIV. There were 699 paired pre- and post-test MCQ tests of knowledge which demonstrated an improvement in post-course knowledge in all 4 domains (p<0.001). Likert-scale assessments (n=59) are reported in Table 1.
Conclusions: SBT offers a promising, novel approach to educating the multidisciplinary team in NIV, developing both objectively assessed and self-perceived competence in this field.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015