High-fidelity simulation in healthcare education: Considerations for design, delivery and debriefing

Newton, Jon

Abstract

Background: High-Fidelity Simulation (HFS) is a well-recognised teaching and learning tool[1]; and one capable of facilitating skill retention and knowledge retrieval[2]. Attitudes, values and behaviours may also be shaped by HFS, fostering a deeper appreciation of the experiential learning cycle. Achieving these outcomes relies on effective HFS design, delivery and debriefing. HFS debriefing is a crucial juncture in evaluating experiences, and whilst a variety of tools exist to support this process, most do not extrapolate well to interprofessional working and large-scale exercises operating across multiple locations. Ineffective debriefing leads to sub-optimal learner outcomes and impedes advancements in simulation-based-learning.

Methods: A 3-step debriefing strategy was pilot-tested following a series of interprofessional HFS’s at University of the West of England during a 12-month period. This incorporated a ‘Hot Debrief’ (post HFS), a ‘Cold Debrief’ (≤4 weeks later) utilising a newly fashioned debriefing tool; and a ‘Question and Answer’ session (upon module completion). The strategy was incorporated into the learning of 162 students studying paramedic science, adult nursing and physician associate studies; alongside lecturers and university leaders. Participant feedback was captured as Microsoft Teams meeting transcribes and handwritten notes. Data was evaluated by the faculty to instigate advancements in teaching and learning practices. The aims of this study were to (a) evaluate the overall effectiveness of this 3-step approach (b) enhance student experience and (c) develop future practices.

Findings: High levels of student and staff engagement were observed when utilising this new approach. Valuable insight into learner experience was gained and the novel strategy possessed a unique ability to debrief institutions as well as learners - enabling strategic improvement in future HFS design, delivery and debriefing.

Conclusion: This new debriefing strategy demonstrates promise and was effective when applied to large-scale interprofessional HFS. Independent research is now required to formally test this 3-step strategy.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 4th Global Conference on Emergency Nursing and Trauma Care
• Start Date: Nov 9, 2023
• End Date: Nov 11, 2023
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 14, 2023
• Keywords: Simulation, Healthcare, Education, Trauma
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11430283