International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background and aim:

Due to the nature of simulation-based education, large amounts of blank paperwork are used and disposed of in any given scenario. As many trusts are now moving towards e-noting, including e-obs and e-prescribing, the use of these in simulation can be extremely beneficial for the learners. These were highlighted by the author as areas for sustainability and increased realism throughout the simulation sessions run by the team at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust [1].

Activity:

This initiative was developed to cut down on the amount of paper waste used during scenarios and increase the realism for the learners taking part. E-obs, e-prescribing and e-noting templates were created using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word that mirrored the programmes used throughout the trust, and were made readily available for the learners taking part in the simulation scenarios. These were then saved as templates, and a new version created for each existing patient throughout the scenarios. On top of this, each new scenario created also required a new set of e-noting, including a NEWS, prescription and the relevant paperwork. ‘Patients’ who had progressed through ED, for example, had a completed CAS card, and their NEWS chart reflected the several sets of observations already taken. The NEWS chart template was also adapted for patients with COPD, and PEWS charts for each paediatric age group were also created, alongside separate e-prescribing to mirror the paediatric version of the drug charts throughout the trust.

Findings:

Learners who participated in the scenarios using e-noting provided positive feedback, highlighting the realism and relevance to practice. 43 learners were asked to complete a short survey after taking part in 1 or more scenarios using the new e-noting system. 79% of learners reported that they found the system easy to use, 90% reported the relevance to clinical practice, 81% reported that it was realistic and 95% were happy that this is a feasible and sustainable way to utilize prescribing, observations measurement and note writing/history taking throughout the simulation sessions. 4% reported not using the e-noting system during their scenario.

Conclusion:

Although the creation of the e-noting system required additional time and resources at the start, they quickly became easy to implement and adapt to each new patient or scenario. The use of this system leads to much less paperwork being destroyed and increased the realism for the participants who use e-noting throughout the trust.

Ethics statement:

Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.