BackgroundSimulation-based training has a fundamental role in medical education as it allows the learner to gain experience managing emergencies in a safe, controlled environment.MethodsThis 1-day course consisted of eight high-fidelity simulation scenarios, followed by a video-assisted debrief focusing on the technical and non-technical (communication skills, teamwork, leadership and situational awareness) aspects of managing ENT and head and neck emergencies.ResultsEight courses have run since June 2014. Post-course questionnaires demonstrated that candidates’ confidence scores in managing airway and head and neck emergencies increased following completion of the course (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThis was the first fully immersive ENT simulation course developed in the region. The learning objectives for each scenario were mapped to the ENT Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme. Feedback from the course indicated a continued demand for this style of training, leading to its inclusion in the training calendar.

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Background/context The use of audiovisual materials for medical education is not a new concept. Many institutions use this as a primary or supplementary learning resource, typically for practical skills teaching. We created a new set of instructional videos for the teaching of clinical examinations, with a focus on ensuring simulated clinical realism. Simulation is a profoundly useful tool in all aspects of healthcare teaching, and its value is much higher with increased realism.1 We aimed to replicate this value in video form. Description of topic Our videos were filmed in the Dow Clinical Simulation Suite at Dundee Medical School, using patient actors and real clinicians. The suite is visually representative of working clinical areas within Ninewells Hospital. Patients were dressed in hospital gowns and props were used to set the scene for a particular patient examination. Recognised specialty-specific clinicians performed the examinations. We aimed to make the videos look as realistic as possible, such that learners would feel confident to replicate the skill in the clinical environment. Improvements/outcomes When asked to compare between existing skills videos and our new set of videos, learners consistently valued the simulated clinical setting and attention to realism, suggesting that these help particularly when transferring the skill to clinical practice. It makes the skill more relatable and relevant, and aids learning of salient parts of a skill which might otherwise not have been represented in the video. Importance of the use of a simulated clinical environment was rated on average 4.17 out of 5 for transferring the skill to real practice. Take home messages Video teaching resources for practical skills are increasingly being used. However, their credibility can be improved when they replicate real-life practice as closely as possible. This can be achieved with the use of established technologies and techniques seen in other simulation practices. Reference Kneebone RL, Kidd J, Nestel D, Barnet A, Lo B, King R, et al. Blurring the boundaries: scenario-based simulation in a clinical setting. Med Educ 2005;39(6):580–7