DOES SIMULATION TRAINING IN ANSWERING A BLEEP IMPROVE CONFIDENCE AND PERFORMANCE IN ONCALL SITUATIONS FOR FIY1S DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE?

ABSTRACT

Background Several studies have shown that new medical graduates feel unprepared for their role as clinicians. In October 2019 Salisbury District Hospital (SDH) piloted a successful 'hold-the-bleep' simulation day for 5th year Southampton medical students. In March 2020, in response to COVID-19, medical students were given early registration. The majority of FiY1s had not received or missed out on formal bleep training due to graduating early. Methodology Over 2 days 8 FiY1s were issued with a bleep for a half-day period, continuing normal daily tasks whilst being bleeped for phone advice or to assess a simulated patient. 4 clinical stations and 4 phone calls were designed to simulate roles of FY1s with SIM-Man simulating the patients. Immediate feedback was recorded and generic themes discussed at a structured session, discussing what went well or was challenging. Each FiY1 completed a feedback for assessing confidence and wrote a reflective piece. Results Feedback was qualitatively and quantitatively positive. All found the SIM session useful and would recommend it. 7 of 8 candidates had a numerical increase in confidence in managing and prioritising calls. Conclusions and recommendations The stations addressed communication skills, prioritisation, clinical and practical skills, and drug prescribing. The improvement in FiY1s confidence and skills is likely to lead to improved patient outcome and satisfaction. Faculty who role played, reported an improvement in the trainees' performance. These results are similar to those from Liverpool and previous bleep SIM sessions we held at SDH.