Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic: A New Approach to Global Health, Critical Care Education for the Future

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic affected the operations of Global Health Missions. We describe the experience of providing critical care support internationally, finding alternatives for the Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support (PFCCS) course to adapt to these constraints. A group of PFCCS consultants, directors, and instructors from Pediatric Life-Saving Effort (PULSE) conducted courses in New York and Nigeria. METHOD(S) A pilot PFCCS course was scheduled for December 2021 at a registered center in NYC, USA, with the "online-hosted" option for the lectures. A "hybrid" (virtual and in-person) virtual modality on Zoom for the skills stations facilitated the training of pediatric residents and nurses from 2 community hospitals 14 participants, 2 local, and 4 remote instructors. Two "break out" rooms were assigned for a specific skills station. The audio-visual display of the remote instructor was via a monitor screen augmented with an external microphone. Webcams were connected to the computer for remote instructors to visualize the skill station as a volunteer manipulated the vital sign simulator. We used the "side by side speaker" option in the "view" feature to display the remote instructor simultaneously. Remote instructors used a chat application to advise changes on the digital monitors while following a scripted scenario. Local instructors acted as facilitators. This course was replicated in Nigeria to support a project spearheaded by Health Place for Children Initiative to establish the first PICU at The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. n candidates became PFCCS certified. Feedback from course experiences was gathered by email and standardized surveys. RESULT(S) Remote instructors in Italy, Mexico, and Texas effectively engaged virtually to conduct the skills stations. Their experience was similar to their vast experience conducting live skills stations. There was positive feedback about the quality of the skill stations. Their experience was similar to other scenarios of crisis resource management conducted regularly at TBHC. CONCLUSION(S) The pandemic significantly reduced PULSE's activity in international educational missions. The "hybrid" model of PFCCS courses can reduce the logistical and financial burden of international courses.