Simulation for Systems Integration to Support Frontline Healthcare Work ers during a Global Pandemic: A Provincial Case Study in Continuing Care

Abstract

Introduction: The arrival of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic demanded prompt attention to infection pre
vention and control strategies in continuing care facilities. Care sites across the province of Alberta, Canada struggled with 
implementing a reproducible, adaptable and shareable educational simulation package for healthcare providers. The purpose 
of this simulation initiative was to develop, design, and implement a COVID-19 Continuing Care Simulation Resource Kit to be 
used by Infection Prevention and Control leaders and educators.Methods: The case study describes the development of this novel just- in time simulation for systems integration approach and resource kit designed specifically for continuing care organizations with the goal to provide strategies on how to prioritize and assess new processes, workflows, and safety risks to better support staff confidence in managing quality patient care.Results: Between November 2020-March 2021, qualitative narratives and themes with continuing care educators validated the strong applicability, adaptability, and ease of use of the COVID-19 Continuing Care Simulation Resource Kit for other quality improvement initiatives within a continuing care setting. Over n= 80 educators, infection control practitioners, and leaders participated in the initial presentations for dissemination to individual teams, scaling its impact across Canada’s largest provincial 
healthcare system.Conclusions: It is anticipated that this novel education resource kit can be easily adapted for future use by local, national, and international healthcare organizations in the event of other infectious disease outbreaks.