Simulation and clinical practice: strengthening the relationship

Abstract

Simulation offers a safe environment within which learners can repeatedly practise a range of clinical skills without endangering patients. Comprehensive simulated environments allow a move away from isolated tasks to more complex clinical situations, recreating many of the challenges of real life. Such simulations, however, can operate in isolation from their clinical context, ignoring the learning needs of individuals within a real health care environment. To realise its full potential as a learning aid, simulation must be used alongside clinical practice and linked closely with it.

Urology technical and non‐technical skills development: the emerging role of simulation

“…However, irrespective of the degree of fidelity, simulation learned skills must remain contextually connected to clinical practice [38]. There is also a risk that isolated skills may not fit into the anticipated situation and may be forgotten if not re-tested [21]. The requirement for human interaction, with the subtleties of connectedness and variations cannot be ignored, as ultimately surgeons are required to possess the technical and non-technical skills needed to empathically undertake safe and efficient clinical practice [25,39].…”

“…A true simulator is one that can 'enable the operator to reproduce or represent under test conditions phenomena likely to occur in actual performance' and can include a variety of real and virtual models [23]. Specific competencies within a training program can be identified where simulation in its variety of forms can be incorporated [21]. Educators must understand the background to teaching via simulation, and dedicate the time and skill base required to maximise the learning experience [6].…”

“…Laparoscopic surgery has evolved further to include laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS), and laparoscopic robotic surgery. This evolution has required supervisors themselves to reskill whilst endeavouring to teach trainees [21,22]. In addition, technical simulation models should encompass all of these surgical disciplines.…”

Enhancing Leadership Orientation Through Simulation

“…Simulation provides active engagement in today's learners, including nurse managers. 11,13,15 Nurse managers are often very adept at managing clinical activities on their units. In many cases, these same managers feel less prepared to manage the personnel communication issues that are a daily part of their environment.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11] Simulation is defined as the attempt to replicate the aspects of a clinical situation or process so that the experience is comparable to the real work environment. 12 Simulation places the person in a "lifelike" situation that allows immediate feedback on questions, decisions, and actions.…”