Assessing Learning Outcomes in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Simulations With a Novel Simulator and Instructor Application

Simulation plays an important part in enhancing the outcomes of clinical training worldwide. In particular, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving procedure that utilizes a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit to offer short or mid-term respiratory and circulatory assistance to seriously ill patients. After the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit the world, in-person simulations became quite challenging to organize, due to the precautionary physical distancing practices. Due to ECMO's reliance on hands-on training, there is a need for a physical distancing-compatible solution that does not compromise on learning fidelity. Consequently, an assessment application has been developed to assist ECMO centers in carrying out simulations while being assessed by ECMO educators remotely. In this article, we conceptually introduce a revolutionary tablet-based assessment application for convenient, yet sophisticated and structured assessment of ECMO learners as a companion to an ECMO simulator and instructor application. The proposed application allows real-time assessment of the ECMO simulation experience and creates standardized simulation assessment curricula synced with a high-realism ECMO simulator. Initial app prototype showcases basic functionality, low communication latency, and a prototype simulation system that can simulate various ECMO emergencies.