RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Current medical simulators for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are expensive and rely on low-fidelity methodologies. This creates a challenge that demands a new approach to eliminate high costs and integrate with critical care environments, especially in light of the scarce resources and supplies available after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: To address this challenge, we examined the current state-of-the-art medical simulators and collaborated closely with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the primary healthcare provider in Qatar, to establish criteria for advancing the cutting-edge ECMO simulation. This article presents a comprehensive ambulatory high-realism and cost-effective ECMO simulator. RESULTS: Over the past 3 years, we have surveyed relevant literature, gathered data, and continuously developed a prototype of the system modules and the accompanying tablet application. By doing so, we have successfully addressed the issue of cost and fidelity in ECMO simulation, providing an effective tool for medical professionals to improve their understanding and treatment of patients requiring ECMO support. CONCLUSIONS: This paper will focus on presenting an overall ambulatory ECMO simulator, detailing the various sub-systems and emphasizing the modular casing of the physical components and the simulated patient monitor.
RESUMO
Background and Aims: The viral agent of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. this may negatively affect students' mental health who have to maintain their learning efforts. Therefore, we aimed to assess students' perceptions of the online learning programs designed for university students in Arab countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on university students using a self-administered online questionnaire in 15 Arab countries, including 6779 participants. The actual sample size was calculated using the EpiInfo program calculator. The validated, piloted questionnaire assessed the effectiveness of internet-based distance learning applications used in these countries during the pandemic. The SPSS version 22 was used. Results: Among the 6779 participants, 26.2% believed that their teachers diversify learning methods, 22.0% thought that their teachers were able to treat the weakness the students have, and 30.7% agreed that their teachers efficiently communicate with them through COVID-19 internet-based learning process. Around 33% of students participated in lectures effectively, 47.4% submitted their homework within accepted deadlines, and 28.6% thought that their colleagues did not cheat during exams and homework. Around 31.3% of students believed that online-based learning had a role in directing them towards research, and 29.9% and 28.9%, respectively, believed that online learning had a role in developing analytical thinking and synthesis skills. Participants reported many suggestions to enhance the process of internet-based distance learning in the future. Conclusion: Our study suggests that online-based distance learning in Arab countries still needs more improvement as students still are more inclined toward face-to-face teaching. However, exploring the factors that influence students' perceptions of e-learning is vital for improving the quality of online-based distance learning. We recommend exploring the perceptions of educators regarding their experience towards online-based distance learning during COVID-19 lockdown.
