Rapid Development of a COVID-19 Assessment and PPE Virtual Simulation Game

Tyerman, Jane; Luctkar-Flude, Marian; Baker, Cynthia

OBJECTIVE: A virtual simulation game (VSG) educational module focused on COVID-19 assessment and personal protective equipment (PPE) was designed to strengthen the capacity of graduating nursing students and practicing nurses to provide care during the COVID-19 health crisis. METHODS: In less than two weeks, a team of simulation and clinical experts from the Canadian Alliance of Nurse Educators using Simulation (CAN-Sim), the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) collaborated to virtually developed a high-quality virtual simulation module. RESULTS: A bilingual VSG and related resources was created, focusing on the assessment and PPEs required when caring for a patient with or suspected of contracting COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: This educational module has been accessed by over 600,000 users and implemented in nursing programs across Canada and globally.