In Situ Simulation: A Strategy to Restore Patient Safety in Intensive Care Units after the COVID-19 Pandemic? Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a public health problem worldwide. In situ simulation (ISS) arises as a learning strategy that allows health professionals to immerse themselves in a real environment without endangering the patients until they have learned the skills needed, thus increasing the quality of care. This systematic review aimed to verify the efficacy of the use of “in situ simulation” as a method that will allow health professionals to increase patient safety in Intensive Care Units after the situation experienced during the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. Methods: Seven studies were reviewed using the PRISMA methodology for systematic reviews. The CASPe guide was used to assess the quality of the manuscripts. Results: The main topics that emerged from this review in relation to in situ simulation were as follows: looking at aspects such as patient self-perception of safety, adverse events, interprofessional communication and health system organization in relation to in situ simulation. Conclusions: The adequate implementation of in situ simulation after the COVID-19 pandemic in ICU services is shown to be an efficient and effective strategy to promote improvement in the attitudes on a culture of safety and teamwork of professionals.

Educational and Patient Care Impacts of In Situ Simulation in Healthcare

“…10 Finally, 3 additional reviews noted the efficacy of in situ simulation in identifying latent safety threats. 7,9,12 Our review further supports these observations using a search strategy with broader scope.…”

“…A further review noted in situ simulation's value as a means of establishing an authentic environment of care but highlighted a lack of data regarding cost and effects on the clinical environment of care 10 . Finally, 3 additional reviews noted the efficacy of in situ simulation in identifying latent safety threats 7,9,12 . Our review further supports these observations using a search strategy with broader scope.…”

“…Several reviews have summarized prior research on in situ simulation. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] The majority affirm its usefulness for the detection of latent safety threats and note a limited, but evolving, body of evidence supporting its beneficial effects on both learner behaviors and patient outcomes when used for education. Many of these, however, were conducted several years ago and/or are limited in clinical scope, thus missing recent and potentially relevant studies.…”

“…Several reviews have summarized prior research on in situ simulation 7–13 . The majority affirm its usefulness for the detection of latent safety threats and note a limited, but evolving, body of evidence supporting its beneficial effects on both learner behaviors and patient outcomes when used for education.…”