Training in management of COVID-19 cases among first responders before deployment to makeshift COVID hospital

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic commenced in China in December 2019 and has since become a major public health problem. India, as a country, faced many challenges in preparing for the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the novelty of the disease, high infectivity rates, and constant risk of health-care workers (HCWs) getting infected, the training of the first responder, including primary care physicians, in the management of COVID-19 is paramount importance. This study analyses the benefits of a short training session imparted to HCWs involved in a makeshift COVID-19 hospital. Methodology: A structured training program consisting of lectures and workshops was formed for the HCWs detailed for the COVID-19 hospital. A questionnaire was prepared and administered to HCWs pre- and post-training sessions. Paired t-test was used to determine the mean difference, and P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: A total of 260 HCWs participated in the study. The doctors gained the most in the critical care aspect, especially in oxygen requirement for the patient and knowledge of oxygen delivery by various apparatuses. The nurses showed a significant improvement in knowledge regarding recommended drugs for severe COVID cases (P < 0.05). Conclusion: HCWs are required to man the COVID facility at very short notice. The article showed the utility of short, structured, and quick training for HCWs. Regular training sessions are important in this regard, and there is a requirement for standardization of the training program and curriculum.