Development of an Emergency Medicine Simulation Fellowship Consensus Curriculum: Initiative of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Simulation Academy

Abstract

Objectives: There is currently no consolidated list of existing simulation fellowship programs in emergency medicine (EM). In addition, there are no universally accepted or expected standards for core curricular content. The objective of this project is to develop consensus-based core content for EM simulation fellowships to help frame the critical components of such training programs.Methods: This paper delineates the process used to develop consensus curriculum content for EM simulation fellowships. EM simulation fellowship curricula were collected. Curricular content was reviewed and compiled by simulation experts and validated utilizing survey methodology, and consensus was obtained using a modified Delphi methodology.Results: Fifteen EM simulation fellowship curricula were obtained and analyzed. Two rounds of a modified Delphi survey were conducted. The final proposed core curriculum content contains 47 elements in nine domains with 14 optional elements. Conclusion:The proposed consensus content will provide current and future fellowships a foundation on which to build their own specific and detailed fellowship curricula. Such standardization will ultimately increase the transparency of training programs for future trainees and potential employers.

Evaluation of Technical Competency in Healthcare Simulation (E-TeCHS) tool: a modified Delphi study

“…The tool began with five elements and 23 subitems and was revised to five elements and 16 subitems with four optional subitems. Previous scholars have identified the core simulation fellowship curricular content that was used to develop the initial technical evaluation tool 10–12 15. In order to gain expert consensus on the assessment tool, the approach outlined by Cumyn and Harris for content validation of curriculum consensus guidelines using Delphi methodology was employed successfully 16…”

“…Both of these subitems are foundational subitems for simulation fellows. Frallicciardi et al list pairing appropriate simulation equipment with scenario objectives and demonstrating proficiency in the application of in situ simulation as core simulation fellowship curricular elements in the domain of technical operations and techniques 12. Lastly, the overarching rating scale for all elements, originally a 7-point Likert scale, was revised to a 5-point Likert scale.…”

“…Even though simulation fellowships remain greatly varied in duration and curriculum, scholars have begun to define a common core curriculum 11 12. Simulation fellowship directors have only a few validated tools to assess the competency of simulation fellows in a very limited number of domains 13 14.…”

“…Simulation fellowship directors have only a few validated tools to assess the competency of simulation fellows in a very limited number of domains 13 14. One of the seven domains of core curricular content is competency in technical skills 12. By using the Evaluation of Technical Competency in Healthcare Simulation (E-TeCHS) assessment tool to give feedback, fellowship directors have the ability to identify deficits and focus training to improve performance.…”

“…The lack of accreditation leads to varied curricula and experiences for simulation fellowship graduates. However, graduates of simulation fellowship programmes are expected to have the ability to perform a variety of simulation-specific skills at the time of graduation prior to becoming simulation centre directors and faculty 12. These skills include, but are not limited to, being able to effectively debrief learners, design simulation scenarios and cases, and perform basic simulation technical skills 12…”