Defibrillation simulator provides life support training

When a patient suffers a cardiac arrest or a life-threatening arrythmia, advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) is used to respond to these emergencies. One component of ACLS is delivering electricity to restart the heart or convert to a normal heart rhythm. The device that delivers the electricity is called a defibrillator, a complex medical device that must be used quickly and effectively to improve the patient's outcome.

In a situation where a defibrillator is needed, every second counts. While providers are expected to complete the education required to maintain their ACLS certification, there are limited educational options for providers to learn how to use and maintain their knowledge on how to use a defibrillator.

Finding resources to innovate

Dr. Michael Kazior is in anesthesiology and critical care medicine based out of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS). When he recognized the lack of defibrillator training opportunities for anesthesiologists and other ACLS providers, both within VA and at external hospital systems, he set out to create an online defibrillator education module that would not only help providers learn how to use the device but maintain that knowledge.

"Without repeated practice, many people aren't confident using defibrillators because the training options are limited," Kazior shared.

Kazior approached Kathryn Beckner, who was then an innovation specialist and is now the director of the IDEAS Center for Innovation. The IDEAS Center team was able to help Kazior develop his prototype, which he then accelerated through the VHA Innovators Network Spark-Seed-Spread program. Kazior completed the first prototype in October 2023.

A tool for clinician education

The defibrillator simulation is an online educational tool that provides an accessible method of training and re-education on how to use defibrillators. This simulation was developed to teach providers how to use the three main functions of a defibrillator (cardioversion, defibrillation and pacing) and correctly place defibrillator pads.

The online application evaluates a user's baseline knowledge of defibrillator use, utilizes interactive guided instruction and provides post-evaluation where users can test their knowledge.

"I want this tool to inspire comfort and confidence, ultimately increasing the quality of care we can provide. The quicker we as providers can use this device, the better it is for our Veterans," Kazior said.

Developing the defibrillator simulator

As a part of the design process, Kazior worked with his colleagues to solicit feedback on a paper prototype which has been converted to an online interactive prototype that he hopes to deploy in the coming months.

With support from the IDEAS Center, Kazior was able to collaborate with the University of Florida's Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies, which created the simulation based on specifications he provided.

VA as a learning health system leader

Recognizing the tremendous educational benefits the defibrillator simulator could offer providers beyond VA, Kazior is working to transition ownership of the prototype to the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF). With Kazior as course director providing clinical guidance and supervision of the expansion, APSF will refine and expand on the content as one of their core Technology Education Initiative educational offerings starting in 2025. Soon, the tool will be available to anyone interested in the course.

"Dr. Kazior's project is a perfect example of the importance and impact of solving a frontline problem. While this project initially addressed an education gap identified within our medical center, it has demonstrated an ability to address a larger need. Collaborating with APSF will allow for this education to provide benefit to VA and beyond," said Beckner.

"I'm passionate about education research and providing open access to this training is one of my primary goals. Through this collaboration, we're going to be able to provide that access and fill an unmet need in medical device education," Kazior added.

Learn more

The IDEAS Center for Innovation is one of VHA Innovation Ecosystem's National Centers for Innovation to Impact (NCi2I). The centers are designed to foster collaboration between partners and select VA medical centers to address VA's most pressing health care challenges.

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