Dr. Liza Rosenman Receives CDC Funding for Simulation Study

Project title: “Training Infection Prevention through Simulation (TIPS)”

Co-PIs: Liza Rosenman and Ylinne Lynch (Department of Medicine – Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (PCCSM))

Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Project Abstract: There are substantial gaps in healthcare worker knowledge in key Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) topics despite an abundance of free training resources. This threatens the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Simulation is a form of learning that allows individuals and teams to practice new skills in an environment that mimics real-life, but without risk to patients or other providers. Simulation-based training forms a bridge between the classroom and the real-life healthcare environment, and has been linked to improved care delivery across a variety of healthcare topics, including IPC. Simulation resources are often concentrated in high resource settings, however. These tend to be large, urban medical centers. This limitation can be addressed through “train-the-trainer” programs that grow simulation knowledge and training capacity in smaller, rural and critical access hospitals.

We will leverage simulation-based training to bridge the gap between available IPC content and IPC practices, with a focus on small and rural hospitals. Specifically, we will develop and pilot the Training Infection Prevention through Simulation (TIPS) Course. The overarching objective is to train IPC Champions from diverse professional backgrounds in the use of simulation-based training principles and support them in local dissemination of site-specific IPC training. Work will begin with a needs assessment to better understand the current gaps in IPC training, specifically targeting rural and critical access sites. The results of the needs assessment will inform curriculum development. The design team includes experts in Infection Prevention and Control, simulation design and implementation, medical education, clinical care, and human factors. The TIPS Course will be delivered in-person and will focus on novel and engaging delivery methods using a variety of simulation strategies, visualization techniques, and small group work. Participants will receive follow-up by the TIPS Course team to provide ongoing support for training development at their home institution. The TIPS Course will be delivered internally and at several external sites for pilot testing. Participant feedback will be used to refine the curriculum. Data collected in the first year will include the results of the needs assessment and feedback from pilot testing.

Project dates: August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023