Improving Staff Confidence And Morale Through Rapid, Structured Trust-Wide Technology-Enhanced Training In The Use Of Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment At Oxford University Hospitals

Dear editor\n\nAs the case numbers of COVID-19 were on the rise in the UK, Li et al ’s article1 served as a timely guide to mounting and adapting our own education and training response at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHT). They highlighted the importance of simulation and technology-enhanced learning (TEL) in delivering essential training, for example, in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to enhance the safety of patients while providing a safe environment for healthcare workers (HCWs). Reflecting on our recent experience, we respond largely in agreement with Li et al 1 regarding challenges in TEL implementation, along with problems applicable to the field of TEL as a whole.\n\nStarting 23 March 2020, the Oxford Simulation, Teaching and Research (OxSTaR) team at OUHT rapidly designed and deployed structured Trust-wide training and education programmes in areas of critical importance: PPE, skills training (for intubation and proning teams) and intensive care unit induction. The aim was to develop a multimodal training approach, supplemented with simulation and TEL, to address uncertainty over COVID-related best practice and concerns regarding safety. Here, we will focus on reporting our experience of using online learning during the pandemic, as guided by the salient points discussed by Li et al .\n\nIn developing a webinar, our key areas of focus were\n\n1. Learning engagement and real-time feedback.\n\n2. High-quality delivery of online learning.\n\n3. Efficiency—prudent and efficient use of training resources and faculty, time-efficient delivery and opportunity for self-paced learning.\n\n4. Safety of participants (e.g. ensuring social distancing).\n\n5. Multidisciplinary support …