A phenomenological experience of trainers in preparedness training during COVID-19 pandemic: Trainers perspective from tertiary care institute

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raised an immediate demand for skilled workforce in hospitals. There is limited literature related to perspectives of trainers in this unprecedented situation. This study aimed to examine lived experience of trainers while delivering training to a large number of participants in a challenging situation with the fear of contracting the infection themselves. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological research was conducted in a tertiary care training centre among 21 trainers who trained 8417 healthcare personnel. Data was collected through Google Forms, which consisted of open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was done using MAXQDA software. Three themes and nine subthemes related to the teaching–learning method, administrative support, and challenges faced by the trainers were extracted. Results: Participants included nurses, nursing tutors, resident doctors, and faculty from nursing and medical specialities. Classroom teaching strategies with demonstration, simulation & hands-on training, and even virtual demonstrations were favoured as the effective teaching methods and modes. Well-planned modules, availability of infrastructure and advanced supporting software facilitated training sessions. Hands-on skill assessment was favoured as the best evaluation method. Trainers also expressed various challenges faced in planning and executing the training. Conclusion: A meticulous planning of preparedness training based on the understanding level of participants and their scope of work led to feasible and fast large-scale capacity building of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. Diverse educational methods, as per demand of situations, online training, and in-person hands-on techniques via simulation lead to more responsive delivery of training and learning than a single method.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Health care professionals
• Health care workers
• Training