International overview of high‐level simulation education initiatives in relation to critical care

Abstract

The use of simulation in health care education has become very topical across all professions and specialties in order to improve patient safety and quality of care. In the last decade, the adoption of more realistic simulation-based teaching methodologies, which serves as a bridge between the acquisition and application of clinical skills, knowledge, and attributes, has been accompanied by the development of a multitude of international and national simulation societies. These serve as important exchange fora for educators, clinicians, researchers, and engineers who desire to learn and share their experience and knowledge around simulation-based education. Several countries have derived their own strategy in order to promote the use of such training methodology. Current key national strategies will be presented in this paper alongside a discussion of their expected impact. Various approaches have been adopted and each has their own place and the potential to be adopted by other nations depending on their political, economic or even geographic context. Within the critical care arena, simulation has generated considerable interest and there is a growing evidence base for its use as a learning and teaching strategy within this environment. A number of critical care-related associations and societies are now recognizing simulation as an appropriate pedagogical approach and acknowledging its potential to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. Its implementation should be carefully considered to ensure that developments are based on current best educational practice to maximize the efficiency of these educational interventions.

Comparison of second-degree and traditional baccalaureate nursing students’ performance in managing acute patient deterioration events

“…A growing body of literature provides evidence that high fidelity simulation improves knowledge acquisition and critical thinking of undergraduate nursing students, [20] as well as self-efficacy and learner satisfaction, [21][22][23] and that the knowledge and skills gained from simulation practice transfers directly to the point of care. [22,24,25] Consistent with the literature, students in accelerated baccalaureate programs engaged in high fidelity simulation report learner satisfaction and increased self-efficacy and competence for clinical practice. [26,27] A key challenge in the integration and use of high fidelity simulation in nursing curricula is the measurement and evaluation of clinical competencies.…”

Does simulation enhance nurses' ability to assess deteriorating patients?

“…While some of the principles of using simulation in the education of pre-registration students is applicable to the postregistration setting, it is inappropriate to assume the same processes will be effective in improving skills and changing practice for the registered nurse. The literature has identified that the effectiveness of simulation-based learning for post-registration nurses is still largely unknown (Alinier and Platt 2013), and furthermore there is limited empirical evidence to support the overall effect simulation has on clinical practice, with regard to the transfer of knowledge and skills clinical practice (Murray et al, 2008).…”

Quality and safety: reflection on the implications for critical care nursing education

“…Within critical care, simulation has become a mainstay pedagogical approach advocated by a range of critical care societies including the Intensive Care Society (ICS), the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and most recently by the British Association of Critical Care Nurses. In their international review of simulation use, Alinier and Platt () conclude that simulation as an educational strategy may provide an effective way to increase patient safety. Studies reported by Alinier and Platt () showed that investment in simulation training can produce significant health care cost savings.…”

“…In their international review of simulation use, Alinier and Platt () conclude that simulation as an educational strategy may provide an effective way to increase patient safety. Studies reported by Alinier and Platt () showed that investment in simulation training can produce significant health care cost savings.…”