International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background:

The development and ongoing critique of simulation-based scenarios is critical to ensure a researched and standardised approach to learning [1]. This is achieved by creating scenarios that have set learning objectives to improve clinical practice within multidisciplinary teams and patient safety. Additionally, a robust scenario leads to stimulating and open debriefings [2]. Whilst a paper-based scenario will do this, the aim is to highlight the benefits of using a digital platform for both creating and updating scenarios.

Methods:

Paper scenarios have been used for many years to achieve the goals highlighted above but it became increasingly obvious that the resources needed to review, critique, and update those scenarios were no longer effective. This situation was emphasised due to the need to have multiple copies of scenarios across many sites. In order to maintain a quality service, whilst still being able to maintain resources to redevelop and enhance existing scenarios, we implemented a digital authoring platform called IRIS.

Results:

Scenarios were transferred and created allowing a centrally controlled catalogue that could be audited and version controlled. Any changes made would automatically update the scenario on all the users’ tablets thus ensuring the same version of the scenario was used across all sites. An immediate benefit was the reduction in time spent redeveloping scenarios. This allowed for added details to be entered dependent on if it was a standardised patient or manikin driven scenario. Another benefit was the ability to rapidly collaborate and co-author with peers and subject matter experts. IRIS interfaces with manikins from leading vendors, sending patient data states directly to the manikins reducing setup time. We noticed an increase in simulation engagement as authors were able to log on remotely to update work.

Conclusion:

IRIS allows easy design and supports the development of high-quality scenarios. Its implementation saved resources in terms of time, staffing and environmental footprint. It enabled us to have a central hub of scenarios that dismissed the need to do multiple updates in multiple places and enabled us to have an audit trail of changes, by date time and user. Moving to a digital platform enhanced the experience of our users giving them a better learning experience leading to improved patient care.

References

1. Alinier G. Developing high-fidelity health care simulation scenarios: A guide for educators and professionals. Simulation & Gaming. 2011;42(1):9–26.

2. Dieckmann G, Gaba D, Rall M. Deepening the theoretical foundations of patient simulation as social practice. Simulation in Healthcare Journal. 2007;2(3):183–193.