PG121 Masterclass for key-skills and remote simulation in covid times for international medical graduates (IMG): an innovative educational programme

Abstract

Introduction Overseas doctors (International Medical Graduates) constitute an important and significant workforce for provision of healthcare in NHS. Most of them have demonstrated their knowledge and skills to practice Medicine. However, to be able to deliver healthcare successfully in the NHS, they need to adapt to the culture within the NHS. It is incumbent on employers to provide an educational program to help IMG integrate in the NHS. However, the Covid crisis has posed a challenge to deliver conventional teaching. We describe an innovative educational programme for IMG working at six NHS hospitals, commissioned by Health Education, East of England (HEEE). Methodology The programme consisted of two days of interactive zoom sessions over a month delivered by experts in skills and simulation. The two sessions focussed on developing their personal and clinical skills. IMGs were informed about the programme via e mail and twenty participants attended. The programme on Day one dealt with building self-awareness of key skills to progress in NHS safely, with confidence. We designed a bespoke programme to develop their personal skills by introducing concepts of mindfulness, being proactive, building resilience to deal with rejection and setbacks, building optimism, understanding the importance of robust well- being strategies. It was delivered by the Director of an external educational platform, as an interactive zoom meeting complemented by power point presentation. Clinical skills session on day two was delivered as remote simulation with pre-recorded scenarios to demonstrate structured A to E assessment of a critically ill patient, handover and communication within a team using SBAR, management of sepsis and Asthma and efficacy of simulation in immediate performance improvement by demonstrating same team management of a cardiac arrest scenario. Debriefing was conducted via zoom, inviting the participants to comment on the actors’ performance. Summary of Results/Outcomes We found that in the current constraints of the Covid crisis, it was possible to construct a two-day programme for IMGs delivered by expert, using remote technology. Minimal resources were required. On reflection, educators found a high level of interest, engagement and interaction by the IMGs. Written feedback from the participants supported the educators’ perception. Additionally, they reported satisfactory quality of audio visual technology, and usefulness of the power point presentations. IMGs reported that debriefing in simulation about the actors’ performance was realistic. Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations We conclude that it is possible to deliver education to develop personal and clinical skills to IMGs remotely. Debriefing by zoom was engaging, powerful and an educationally effective, innovative method. Recommendations Remote simulation preceded by skills introduction for IMG may be useful for large audiences, in different geographical areas in crisis times and possibly when face to face interaction is not feasible. We recommend a focus discussion group of faculty, IMG and stakeholders such as NHS managers and Health Education, East of England to monitor the content, skills and knowledge of faculty and usefulness to improve the programme. Reference Essential simulation in Clinical education Ed Forrest, McKimm, Edgar. Wiley Pg 35