Simulation and Quality in Clinical Education

Abstract

Background:Simulation-based education (SBE) has become commonplace in healthcare education within hospitals, higher education institutions, the private healthcare sector, and private education providers. The standards and quality of delivery vary across the UK [1], leading to differing degrees of learning for healthcare professionals. This variance in standards makes research into the impact of SBE on the end user (the patient) difficult to measure.Review:The delivery of SBE needs to be of a high standard if learningviathis pedagogy is to be maximised and benefits to patients are to be accurately assessed. This article aims to summarise the importance of quality within clinical SBE and how it can be achieved and maintained to produce a measurable impact on patient care. The current progress of the implementation of UK national standards for SBE is included to highlight the need for standardisation and guidance to support simulation centres and individuals to benchmark practice and work towards accreditation through quality measurement and monitoring processes. Suggestions are made on how such standards will affect the future of SBE and all those involved.Conclusion:There is a clear need for the development of national standards for SBE delivery and for a stepped approach [i.e. minimum, intermediate, and advanced standards] depending on the size, capacity, and frequency of SBE education delivery. Considerable financial outlay will be required to monitor standards effectively. The enhanced use of current and future technologies should be considered with regards to monitoring standards as well as data collection for future research opportunities.

First year student radiographers’ perceptions of a one-week simulation-based education package designed to increase clinical placement capacity

“… 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 SBE is an established pedagogical approach to delivering health care education. 8 The Health & Care Professions Council 9 and Nursing & Midwifery Council 10 both advocate and provide guidance on the use of SBE. Simulation in medical and healthcare education is a pedagogical activity where students learn from practice-based scenarios which: “Imitate real patients, anatomic regions or clinical tasks, or to mirror the real-life situations in which medical services are rendered.“ 10 …”

Electronic health records (EHR) simulation-based training: a scoping review protocol

“…When applied properly, SBT creates a consistent, safe and replicable learning environment. 9 SBT has been shown to enhance healthcare providers’ skills and behaviours, 10 11 improve patient safety outcomes 12 and provide valuable feedback. 13 It has found utility in bridging the gap between medical students’ preclinical knowledge and care of real patients, 14 enhancing surgical skills training, 15 improving performance of emergency medicine residents during central venous catheterisation, 16 and improving perceptual ability of critical care fellows.…”