Simulation in Mechanical Ventilation Training: Integrating Best Practices for Effective Education

Mechanical ventilation education is a critical component of the curriculum for several health care professions, including respiratory therapists, physicians, and critical care teams. However, numerous studies have identified significant gaps in the bedside application of mechanical ventilation. These gaps include improper use of lung-protective strategies¹ and challenges in recognizing and managing patient-ventilator discordances (PVDs)² A lack of standardized training and clear regulations regarding minimum competencies in mechanical ventilation has contributed to inconsistent practices, a reality that became glaringly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.³

The pandemic not only exposed a shortage of ventilators but also highlighted a deficiency in adequately trained personnel capable of operating them effectively.⁴ In response, many institutions reinvigorated their mechanical ventilation training programs, and new initiatives were developed to address the global need for competency in mechanical ventilation management.⁵ Whereas we recognize its need, there remains little guidance on best practices for delivering this education.^6,-,8

In this issue of Respiratory Care, Safadi et al⁹ present the results of a study comparing 2 simulation modalities for mechanical ventilation training. Their work is particularly relevant for several reasons. First, it reports results from a well-established multi-center training program,¹⁰ demonstrating the feasibility of implementation across various settings. Second, it addresses the use of simulation in mechanical ventilation training, which is the focus of this editorial.

Simulation-based training for mechanical ventilation is compelling because it addresses a range of educational objectives and caters to diverse learning styles. It is commonly incorporated into both formal and informal mechanical ventilation education programs.¹¹ Interestingly, despite its growing use, relatively little has been published on simulation for mechanical ventilation education or research. Safadi and colleagues⁹ underscore one of the challenges in simulation-based training: the variability and availability of …

Correspondence: Eduardo Mireles-Cabodevila MD. E-mail: mirelee{at}ccf.org