A Conceptual Framework for Instructional Design of a High Acuity and Low Occurrence Event - Simulation Based Education Training of Residents, Medical Students, and Nurses in Anaphylaxis Utilizing Curated Educational Theories

Abstract

The broad goal of this educational curriculum is utilization and optimization of Simulation-Based Education (SBE) in the training of residents, medical students, and nursing staff involved in the rapid and timely recognition of Anaphylaxis and its optimized treatment. A critical gap in Anaphylaxis Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment (ADAM) has been well established across medical disciplines. It is imperative to include all members of the healthcare team, as nurses and pharmacists play key roles in anaphylaxis recognition and care. Nurses and pharmacists are proficiently trained in the initial assessment of acute patient complaints, status, and in proper dosing/administration considerations. Anaphylaxis is a High Acuity and Low Occurrence (HALO) event. Delayed recognition and administration of epinephrine-autoinjector (EAI) is a patient safety concern. Suboptimal technique and expertise in this regard is common. Literature abounds with reports of physician trainee doubts and uncertainties in the recognition and optimized management of Anaphylaxis. Importantly, Anaphylaxis is frequently misdiagnosed in hospital emergency departments. SBE methodologies are ideal for instructing HALO experiences. The framework of the “Zone of Simulation Matrix” supports the utilization of a simulation experience in this instance. Learning will be effective, enhanced, and made durable by embedding numerous specifically curated educational theories. Given the paucity in training of residents and nursing staff in Anaphylaxis, such instruction is imperative. Of note, a special emphasis in this curricular framework is the debriefing experience. Considerations will be given to the psychological safety of the trainees and the importance of the heterogeneity of prior experiences. Precise diagnosis minimizes mortality. In the hospital setting, nurses are the first responders to critical HALO events, and there is a lack of awareness of ADAM by nursing students.

Keywords:

• simulation based education
• anaphylaxis
• resident
• nurse and medical student education
• debriefing
• epinephrine autoinjector
• HALO events
• zone of proximal development
• zone of simulation matrix

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.