Simulation Setup

Communication-based simulation education is substantially more flexible to plan and facilitate than medical management-based education, however, there are a few essential items to include in planning.

In the planning and training before the education begins, it is valuable to have access to video and recording software to practice and provide feedback on the performance of actors and facilitators of the education.

In an ideal situation, and dependent on the scenarios, the program facilitating this education would have access to dedicated simulation space with in-patient, clinic, and office-style rooms. The most realistic would be to have manikins or task trainers to represent the patients as well as actors representing the patient, a family member, a medical provider, or a colleague. If possible, having a control room or viewing room outside of the main simulation space is also ideal, allowing the learner(s) who are participating in the simulation to act on their own without feelings of being observed from inside the room.

If the program facilitating this education does not have access to dedicated simulation space or simulation equipment, there is still potential to run successful education. With a proper pre-brief to set the stage, many of these scenarios could be held in office or lecture-style environments. At a minimum, access to a dedicated actor program with policies and procedures for training staff is required. These scenarios can risk the psychological safety of the learners, actors, and facilitators due to the nature of the topics. Having actors properly trained to respond to, de-escalate, and escalate the situations appropriately is essential to the success and safety of this education.