A study on the impact of simulation-based training, on retention of knowledge and skills of medical interns, for patient care, during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: During the pandemic of COVID-19, the highly transmissible novel coronavirus can easily affect medical interns who are a part of frontline health-care providers. They are required to have adequate knowledge and skills, to protect themselves from getting infected with COVID-19 and also care for patients, effectively. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on retention of knowledge and skills of medical interns, for patient care, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 122 medical interns, aged between 21 and 25 years, of which 47.5% (58) were male and 52.5% (64) female, were included as study participants. A simulation-based training was conducted, based on knowledge and skills required in providing patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic such as donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, triage of COVID-19 patients, and airway management. A pre-tested pre-test questionnaire was used before training and simulation-based practical test along with post-test was conducted 6 months after the training. Results: The pre-test and post-test theory and simulation-based practical scores were analyzed and compared using paired t-test and P = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. There was a significant difference between total scores, both theory and practical pre-test and post-test scores, using paired t test with t = 28.441 (P = 0.001). Conclusion: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, simulation-based training has a significant impact on retention of knowledge and skills of the medical interns in patient care, during the COVID-19 pandemic.