Introduction to the Module Content

In 2009 the Chief Medical Officer (England) recommended that: “A skilled faculty of expert clinical facilitators should be developed to deliver high-quality simulation training” (CMO 2008, p55). In recent years simulation has become an increasingly more important, highly sought after and effective educational methodology.

The module content will focus on the contemporary evidence base to support high-quality delivery of simulation as an educational and training tool in order to enhance patient safety, improve care and improve patient outcomes.

The facilities within the Clinical Simulation Centre can accommodate scenarios based upon a wide range of situations and clinical settings. Students will be required to design, deliver and critically evaluate a simulation scenario tailored to the learning needs of their targeted participants.

The development of a range of critical skills is central to effective simulation-based medical education including de-briefing, enhancing teamwork and formative assessment of the knowledge and skills of their students. Students will also be required to consider the planning, resourcing and technical requirements necessary to the smooth running of a simulation facility.

This module aims student to:

1. Develop a critical awareness of the use of high and low fidelity simulation in the training and education of medical and healthcare professionals.
2. Select, design, deliver and evaluate appropriate tailored simulated scenarios across a range of situations encountered in medical and healthcare practice.

This assessment has both formative and summative aspects. Firstly, the formative practical assessment in study block 1 does not contribute to your final mark - it is designed to guide and develop your simulation scenario and the subsequent written critical analysis that constitutes your final submission. Your formative scenario will be debriefed with directive feedback and a recording will be provided to you for academic reflection purposes. It is advised that you use the formative scenario which you design in the first study block.

Summative Assessment (100%)

1. Simulation scenario (30%)
2. Academic essay (70%).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

Through the lectures, discussions and practical workshops this module will enable you to:

1. Critically review content and composition of scenarios and simulation sessions with a particular emphasis on patient safety.
2. Develop knowledge and a critical understanding of the principles of evaluation of simulation sessions
3. Demonstrate a critical and comprehensive understanding of the assessment of competency in a simulated environment.
4. Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the diverse types of simulators and simulation modalities, including programming of simulation equipment.
5. Critically compare and evaluate the utility and suitability of a range of simulation equipment to run particular scenarios, and critically evaluate the evidence base and related literature regarding simulation as an educational and training tool

(Learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding 1-5 – achieved through the lecture programme, workshops and practical sessions)

Skills and Attributes:

Through the lectures, discussions and practical workshops this module will enable you to:

6. Demonstrate the ability to design, run and evaluate high and low fidelity simulation sessions according to the educational and training needs of participants.
7. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the utility of simulation in enhancing the clinical practice of participants
8. Demonstrate the ability to lead group based discussions, reflections and feedback ensuring efficient debriefing of participants.
9. Utilise appropriate simulation in the design and conduct assessment of clinical and related competencies

(Learning outcomes skills and attributes SA6-9 – achieved through the lecture programme, workshops and practical sessions)