Using Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice to Up-Train Pediatric Providers for Adult COVID-19 Patients

The SARS CoV-2 pandemic brought unique challenges to healthcare workers and systems. Simulation teams improvised and scaled up to meet new educational needs. Children’s hospitals worked to address the many issues surrounding COVID-19, including how to prepare facilities and staff to care for adult patients in the event of COVID patient overflow. This technical report describes the use of the teaching method rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) to train interprofessional teams unaccustomed to working together. We detail how sessions were developed and implemented, particularly noting the need for an extended pre-briefing to optimize psychological safety. The RCDP model allowed for a high level of interaction throughout the simulations and the incorporation of new knowledge “on the go” during the sessions.