Abstract
INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic professionals need to update the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to treat infected patients, and protect themselves against the transmission of the disease with limited medical supplies. The strategic use of a simulation center to facilitate the adaptation of a health service to the pandemic is described. METHODS: The experience of a simulation center in Cantabria, Spain is analyzed. A working group identifies and classifies organizational needs into three areas: 1) learning (categorized with a zone system to tailor the design and implementation of training to specific needs); 2) innovation (related to healthcare practice and healthcare equipment); and 3) sanitary supplies (which can be manufactured with the 3D printers available in the simulation center for teaching materials). RESULTS: Three types of simulation training activities are implemented: train the trainer workshops for protection against drop-contact transmission, simulations for protection against aerosol transmission and a framework for the analysis of real situations with patients. Diving masks for ventilatory assistance, techniques for ventilating two patients with one ventilator and prototype ventilators are analyzed. Facial protection masks, swabs and mask forks are printed. CONCLUSION: The strategic participation of a simulation center can promote and facilitate the adaptation of a health system to a COVID-19 pandemic.