Help I'm the On Call Physio! Does simulation help newly qualified physiotherapist prepare for being the on-call respiratory physiotherapist?

ABSTRACT

Keywords Simulation;On-call;Respiratory Purpose: Some newly qualified physiotherapists had reported feeling anxious about at being the respiratory physiotherapist on call. While this is a common theme with each year's new starters, this is likely exacerbated by the changes to some of their placements in their final year due to Covid-19. Alongside this, we were aware that there was a great demand on the on-call respiratory physiotherapy team due to Covid-19, and there was also a need to make them familiar with the PPE required for the treatment they may wish to perform;particularly for those physiotherapists working in MSK out-pts for whom this was unfamiliar. We wanted to put something in place to support these new graduates. Methods: A teaching package was designed with teaching in simulation for newly qualified physiotherapists about to go on the respiratory physiotherapy on-call rota focusing on common on-call scenarios. It was delivered by physiotherapists, an ACP and a consultant anaesthetist (who attended virtually). Scenarios were broken down into 3 competents (1) do I have to go in? How to get the right information over the phone to decide. (2) what do I want done while I am travelling in? What advice to give to stabilise the pt while on route, what equipment to get ready, what PPE to get ready, etc., (3) What do I do when I get there – A–E assessment of the pt, treatment and ongoing management plan. Feedback on the sessions was collected from participants by anonymous questionnaire. In the simulation room attendees scan a QR code which generates a MS teams electronic feedback form. Results: Positive feedback -informative, interesting session, met their learning outcomes, reduced anxiety. ‘We were allowed time to practice in a safe environment and ask anything that may concern us’, increased confidence. Conclusion(s) Provision of simulation for newly qualified physiotherapists is helpful at preparing them for being the on-call respiratory physiotherapist. Impact Funding is now being sort to make this part of standard induction each year at the Trust for newly qualified physiotherapists. We have liaised with the West Midlands sim lead to see if they will recommend this across the West Midlands. Funding acknowledgements Not funded.