SIMULATION TRAINING

The word “simulation” implies an imitation of a real-life process in order to provide a lifelike experience in a controlled environment. It can be thought of as somewhere to learn from mistakes without doing any damage.

What is simulation-based training?

Simulation training is used as a tool to teach trainees about the skills needed in the real world. It provides a lifelike point-of-care learning experience, and has been widely applied in fields such as aviation, maritime, industries, the military, and healthcare.

The added value of simulation-based training

A well-constructed simulation allows trainees to answer the question, “If I do this, what happens?” It provides learners with an opportunity to test out different scenarios to see what works and to understand how they arrived at the right and wrong answers. This trial-and-error approach gives trainees the knowledge and confidence they need to apply their new skills in the real world.

The value of simulation training is further enhanced by following up with a debriefing and coaching session. With the help of video recordings, the training sessions can be analyzed, errors identified, successes marked, and emotions or feelings that influenced the trainees can be discussed. This is when the real learning takes place.

Five reasons why simulation training in healthcare works

1. Practicing in a safe environment

Training simulators are an invaluable tool when it comes to teaching and training. They provide a realistic, interactive learning environment with real-world scenarios that can help enhance the educational experience.

2. Understanding human behavior

Simulating events show us how we react in real life situations, and in some sense, show us how unconscious processes work. Since it is not occurring in real life, it enables us to learn from our mistakes. As such, it can help prevent errors and optimize responses in (critical) situations.

3. Improving teamwork

Teamwork includes behaviors such as effective communication, collaboration, team leading, team building, and crisis resource management. Teamwork is not an automatic consequence of placing people together in the same room; it depends on a willingness to cooperate toward shared goals.

4. Providing self confidence

Simulation training provides an opportunity to apply theory and gain experience in skills or procedures, which provides trainees with the confidence to manage similar real-life scenarios. Confidence is directly linked to competence. As trainees gain confidence, they are more comfortable in making their own decisions and exerting their autonomy.

5. Giving insight into trainees’ own behavior

By using virtual simulation solutions, educators can utilize simulators more efficiently in the training. Skills developed on the simulators can be automatically visualized on a student’s personal learning path and teachers can follow the official professional requirements while making the assessments. This improves significantly the reliability of the skills progress follow-up and the portfolio data is always available for the student and teachers.

Transform a team of experts into an expert team
Clearly, the major role of simulation is to educate, train, and provide rehearsal for those actually preparing for or working in the delivery of healthcare. Simulation-based training can transform a team of experts into an expert team.