Assessing the Efficacy and Impact of Using a Simulation-Based Approach for Rapid Critical Care Capacity Development at Scale.

In response to the increased COVID-19 cases and staff limitations, the need to enhance critical care capacity was identified by the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). We designed and delivered a series of in-person simulation-based workshops to rapidly upskill healthcare workers in Pakistan. The primary objective of our workshops was to train healthcare workers across various medical fields to serve as supplemental intensive care unit staff if needed. A total of 19 in-person workshops were organized, targeting physicians, nurses, and allied health workers from across Pakistan. Using high-fidelity medical simulation technology, these workshops provided hands-on exposure and addressed specific learning objectives such as diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients, shock, arrythmias, respiratory failure, oxygen titration and noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, critical care pharmacy, interpretation of arterial blood gases, code simulation, prone positioning, central line placement, and video laryngoscopy.