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Table 1 Sample COVID-19 simulation scenario objectives (highest risk and highest frequency)

From: COVID-19 pandemic preparation: using simulation for systems-based learning to prepare the largest healthcare workforce and system in Canada

Examples of some COVID-19 scenario objectives (pre-determined to be highest risk and highest frequency)

System issue categories [35]

Equipment: Implement creation of carts for personal protective equipment/intubation

Cognitive aids: Apply airway pause with COVID-19 additions

Paging systems: Assess addition of “COVID-19” stem to pages to ensure HCP safety and priority response

Tools and technology

Task complexity: Prepare smaller specialized teams for intubation (e.g., airway response team)

Prepare smaller teams to anticipate and prepare for any aerosol-generating medical procedure

Designate and prepare personal protective equipment (PPE) coach for donning and doffing

Organize clean runner role to help with cognitive overload

People and tasks

Signage: Evaluate plan for new areas for COVID-19 vs non-COVID-19 patients (surge specific phases)

Transport routes: Assess, plan, testing of dedicated hallways and elevators

Environment

Assess staffing during day and night with Intensive Care Unit surge bed plans and escalating to 2 patients per room

Site capacity and triggers: Evaluate pandemic surge exercises identifying triggers, bed capacity, flow restrictions, and continuity across the site

Organization

Communication pathways: Apply testing of handover tools and new alerts

Workflow: Identify appropriate number staff/roles caring for patient(s)

Policies (testing of new or existing): Appraise any unnecessary and preventable delays in care and/or process

Processes