Simulation via instant messaging-Birmingham advance (SIMBA) model helped improve clinicians’ confidence to manage cases in diabetes and endocrinology

Abstract

Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been increasingly used in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training curricula. The aim of Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is to create a simple virtual learning environment to improve trainees' self-reported confidence in diabetes and Endocrinology. Methods: This study was done as part of the continuous professional development for Health Education England West Midlands speciality trainees in diabetes and Endocrinology. Standardized transcripts of anonymized real-life endocrinology (endocrine session) and diabetes cases (diabetes session) were used in the simulation model. Trainees interacted with moderators through WhatsApp® in this model. All cases were then discussed in detail by a consultant endocrinologist with reference to local, national and international guidelines. Trainee acceptance rate and improvement in their self-reported confidence levels post-simulation were assessed. Results: 70.8% (n = 17/24) and 75% (n = 18/24) strongly agreed the simulation session accommodated their personal learning style and the session was engaging. 66.7% (n = 16/24) strongly felt that the simulation was worth their time. In the endocrine session, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence in the management of craniopharyngioma (p = 0.0179) and acromegaly (p = 0.0025). There was a trend towards improved confidence levels to manage Cushing's disease and macroprolactinoma. In diabetes session, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence to interpret continuous glucose monitor readings (p = 0.01). There was a trend towards improvement for managing monogenic diabetes, hypoglycaemic unawareness and interpreting Libre readings. Overall, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence in managing cases that were discussed post-simulation.

SIMBA as an alternative and/or an adjunct to pre-medical work experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…SIMBA has proven to be efficient to improve clinicians' confidence in managing various cases in diabetes and endocrinology. 7 The steps building up to a SIMBA session can be divided into two main phases (Fig 1). In the preparation phase, anonymised transcripts based on real-life cases are prepared.…”

Adaptation and use of media in an innovative simulation-based clinician training programme

“…We have previously showed that SIMBA is effective in improving clinician confidence in managing various endocrine conditions evaluated using Kirkpatrick's model of training evaluation. 3…”

“…8 Facilitating SIMBA simulation via WhatsApp greatly enhances interaction and engagement in comparison to traditional forms of teaching. 3 The ubiquity of WhatsApp has made SIMBA widely accessible, with international interest and participation. 3 Additionally, Twitter (@SIMBAsimulation) and Facebook are used to advertise SIMBA sessions and attract international health professionals to participate.…”

SIMBA: Using Kolb’s Learning Theory in Simulation-Based Learning to Improve Participants' Confidence

“…At the end of each SIMBA session, structured feedback/debrie ng is provided by the consultant, followed by a post-SIMBA survey re ecting on the learners plans to bring changes to future practice based on the experience gained through simulation. The results from previous sessions have demonstrated that SIMBA is an effective teaching model to increase participants' con dence in managing various endocrine and diabetes simulated cases (12).…”

“…Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is an innovative teaching model designed to construct SBL through WhatsApp (12). With its concept, SIMBA is replicating the whole learning cycle proposed by Kolb's experiential learning theory.…”