Context / probleemstelling of aanleiding

Context/probleemstelling of aanleiding:

The risk of transmission of (suspected) viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) from patient to healthcare worker (HCW) is considered very low if HCWs are properly trained in correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and interdisciplinary collaboration. A the high-level isolation unit (HLIU) of the Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, is designated as care and treatment unit for patients with (suspected) VHF as well as training center. The new HLIU is one of five Dutch designated VHF treatment location. The Infection Prevention Control (IPC) unit developed a new training program that prepares HCWs comprehensively for working in the HLIU and focuses on PPE use, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Beschrijving van de interventie/innovatie:

The IPC unit developed a new training program for VHF care in collaboration with the Radboudumc Health Academy (RHA). Two learning and development advisors of the RHA analyzed the current training program and interviewed HCWs (1, 2). All infection prevention training materials were being revised. Based on the input of HCWs and IPC experts, the entire training program was expanded and real-life scenarios were integrated to maximize the applicability of the training in VHF patient care.

Ervaringen/analyse van de implementatie:

The new VHF training program was expanded with a theoretical E-learning on VHF that must be completed prior to taking part in the hands-on training. Each HCW that will work in the HLIU should follow the basic hands-on training once, including: donning and doffing of PPE, working with hazardous materials, communication by means of advanced communication devices and interdisciplinary real-life scenario training. The latter was highly recommended by previously trained HCWs. Once HCWs are qualified for working with patients with (suspected) VHF, they have to follow refresher courses twice a year. These refresher courses are brief, but comprehensive, derivatives of the basic training.

Lessons learned (implicaties voor de praktijk):

Because the new HLIU has as one of its tasks to innovate training for different types of HCWs, the Radboudumc VHF training program is revised based on HCW preferences and by implementing innovative teaching strategies. We expect that the new training program will contribute to higher confidence and increased skill of HCWs when working with (suspected) VHF patients.

Referenties (max. 2):

Kessels JWM, Smit CA, Keursten P. The Eight Fields Instrument: Analytical Framework of Educational Effects. San Francisco: The Learning Company; 1996. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://www.kessels-smit.com/files/The_Eight_Field_instrument_ENG.pdf

Ruijters MCP. [ Quest for Good Work: About Powerful Professionals in a Learning Organization. ] Report in Dutch. Deventer, Netherlands: Vakmedianet; 2018. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://www.boom.nl/media/17/queeste-naar-goed-werk-manon-ruijters.pdf