International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background:

Due to the effect of the global pandemic and rising student cohort numbers, simulated practice placements are being implemented into nursing curricula. To deliver simulation-based education (SBE) within the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) staff must be adequately prepared. For SBE to be effective, thoughtful consideration to appropriate staff training is important [1]. A structured unified approach is more beneficial as it sets the same aspirations and contributes to a shared philosophy [2]. This unified approach meant both Health Board and HEI staff were being trained to delivery simulation in the same way, which was new for this HEI. Creating a faculty for simulation emulates a community of practice and also comprises essential networking with other simulationists [2]. It helps support Benner’s novice to expert theory as staff start of as novices and subsequently develop emulating that robust educational training for SBE faculty development is essential [3]. Importantly, it addresses quality assurance and governance frameworks in meeting the requirement of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation Learning (INACSL) [3], Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH), and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards. The overall aim of this innovation was to implement a unified approach to faculty development training for academic staff within an HEI.

Methods:

Three training sessions were delivered in January and February 2022. HEI staff attended a one-day session. Health Board Simulation Educators facilitated the sessions for the HEI Academic Staff.

Results:

Using a unified approach to this faculty development had a positive outcome in supporting HEI staff to be upskilled in the delivery of SBE. It has also resulted in the subsequent development and implementation of a 2-day training course comprising the following sessions: Session 1 – Introduction to clinical skills and simulation and writing learning outcomes and scenarios; Session 2: Technology supporting simulation; Session 3: Preparation, briefing, and debriefing; Session 4: Running an immersive simulation session. This in-house training programme will continue to be delivered to HEI staff undertaking SBE and evaluated.

Conclusion:

Using a unified approach enhances the quality and parity of the delivery of SBE within the HEI. A unified approach to faculty development within the HEI will continue to be delivered to upskill staff in SBE. Collaboration with clinical partners in faculty development is crucial in the delivery of SBE to ensure a unified evidence-based approach.

References

1. Bryant K, Aebersold ML, Jeffries PR, Kardong-Edgren S. Innovations in simulation: Nursing leaders’ exchange of best practices. Clinical Simulation in Nursing. 2020;41:33–40.

2. Peterson DT, Watts PI, Epps CA, White ML. Simulation faculty development: a tiered approach. Simulation in Healthcare. 2017;12(4):254–259.

3. Hallmark BF. Faculty development in simulation education. Nursing Clinics. 2015;50(2):389–397.