Adapting to the need of the hour: Communication skills simulation session using an online platform during COVID-19

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Background: As Covid-19 continues to spread around the world and disrupt lives, universities around the globe are impacted extensively. Training sessions conducted at simulation centers needed an alternative approach to adapt to the gravity of the situation hence, the simulation centre team piloted a communication skills training session using Microsoft Teams. Objectives: The objectives of the pilot session were to develop a plan for training on communication skills remotely, identify an online platform, pilot an online communication skills session using the identified platform and evaluate the effectiveness of the process. Approach: Communication skills training session for 2 groups of students involving facilitators and simulated patients were conducted simultaneously using sub channels on Microsoft Teams. Outcomes: The sessions followed a predefined structure and were completed as planned. It was discovered that remote simulation-based communication skills training facilitated through online platform is both feasible and effective. The findings suggest that remote simulation sessions can provide an effective educational environment.