Non-invasive ventilation simulation training for the multi-professional team

<bold>Background:</bold> Patients requiring non-invasive ventilation (NIV) are critically unwell and NIV emergencies can be stressful. Multi-professional simulation training has been shown to increase staff knowledge and reduce the number of patient safety events by raising awareness of how human factors affect performance¹. <bold>Aims:</bold> To develop an immersive NIV simulation course using a patient simulator that allows health care professionals to exercise team-based approaches to dealing with acutely unwell patients. <bold>Methods:</bold> The target audience included doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. The scenarios were written in accordance with the hospital NIV guidelines and structured using a framework based on the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare standards. We obtained quantitative data on clinical knowledge gained and both qualitative and quantitative feedback on the overall course. <bold>Results:</bold> Three sessions have been run across 2 London hospitals. A total of 9 doctors, 7 nurses and 5 physiotherapists have participated. Prior to the course participants, on average, scored 58.67% in the clinical questionnaire, this rose to 83.33% post-course. Qualitative data showed that participants found multi-professional simulation training a positive learning experience. Participants commented that they were able to develop their team-working skills, better understand each other’s skill sets, and gained confidence in asking for help. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Multi-professional NIV simulation training is an effective tool to increase clinical knowledge, help individuals to develop strategies for dealing with acutely unwell patients and highlight the role that human factors play in patient safety. ¹Patterson, M. D. <italic>BMJ Q&S</italic> 2013; 22 (5), 383–393.