Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s important to ask the right questions when using the SimLEARN website site to learn more about simulation in healthcare. To address this, we’ve separated the answers to commonly asked SimLEARN questions into sections. For in-depth information about specific topics, review the appropriate section of this website.
General Questions About Simulation and SimLEARN
According to the Society for Simulation Healthcare Simulation Dictionary, the definition can be found here: https://www.ssih.org/Portals/48/sim-dictionary-2_1.pdf - p. 55
According to the Society for Simulation Health Care Simulation Dictionary, the definition can be found here: https://www.ssih.org/Portals/48/sim-dictionary-2_1.pdf - p.52
This is from the book Mastering Simulation A handbook for Success – p. 52
Mid-level Mannequins – more rustically mimic reality with pulse, heart sounds and lung
sounds, but lack the physiological display of chest rise and fall with breathing, blinking
for automated physiological response to interventions (This is ALS Sim Man 3G with shock
link)
High Fidelity Mannequins – mimics reality by linking, chest rise and fall, respiration and
by offering physiological responses to interventions.
a. Typically, the integrators capture video, simulator log files, session annotations, and
evaluations. Integration technology is used to centralize and automate the recoding and
management of simulation learning sessions.
Most integrators:
1. record multiple feeds digitally
2. handle instructor annotation and support debriefing
3. integrate with multiple types of simulators
4. build searchable participant portfolios automatically to support learning management
records
Some integrators provide tools for scenario and checklist creation and generate multiple
types of usage, session and aggregate reports.
b. Emerging Health Technology Integration (EHTI).
A data platform is an integrated technology solution that allows data located in database(s)
to be governed, accessed, and delivered to users, data applications, or other technologies
for strategic business purposes. Systems Integration is the process of creating a complex
information system that may include designing or building a customized architecture or
application, integrating it with new or existing hardware, packaged and custom software, and
communications.
Emerging Health Technology Integration (EHTI) assists in the design, testing and deployment
of various data platforms and systems integration technologies in the clinical care delivery
setting. Examples include VHA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) effort or
Cerner implementation, use of data platforms and systems integration in clinical care,
emerging FDA regulations and policies surrounding this technology, and clinical
effectiveness studies and/or evaluation across multiple clinical settings.
The major advantages of learning skills in a simulated environment are that each procedure
can be practiced repeatedly until the proficiency has been achieved. Most importantly,
because the procedure is performed using simulated, virtual, or standardized patients, no
real clinical harm is done when the user has a procedural or judgmental error.
Getting Started Now: Our medical center wants to get started in clinical simulation right
now. Where can I go now to learn the techniques of clinical simulation education?
As part of SimLEARN, the Simulation Outreach Network (SON) assists staff to determine what
objectives the simulation program will meet. In addition, the steps for developing the
simulation program will be discussed. Contact SON at vhasimlearnson@va.gov
Many academic and non-academic organizations offer training in clinical simulation education
principles and simulation technologies. You may wish to research options through the Society
for Simulation in Healthcare, contacting your affiliate, contacting key accreditation
organizations (e.g., ACS, ASA, etc.) or other colleagues involved in simulation education
and training. SimLEARN’s link is https://www.simlearn.va.gov/SIMLEARN/curricula_simlearn.asp
The key question to ask yourself is whether you are interested in the key principles of
simulation education or whether you are more interested in principles in training of a
particular type of scenario. Certainly, starting with the principles of Introduction to
Clinical Simulation would be foundational to your program. The particular scenario
specialization at your medical center should then be driven by your clinical education
priorities in which simulation is a preferred education modality.
If you're a vendor: I am a vendor who would like to talk with SimLEARN leadership about our
new technology and how it would benefit the program. Who should I speak to?
You should send an email outlining your interests and providing any marketing information
you have available to VASimLEARNGeneralInformation@va.gov. SimLEARN staff will contact you
for further information.
SimLEARN representative: Who is my VISN SimLEARN champion? What is their role?
SimLEARN champions have been identified by each VISN. The list can be found here:
SimLEARN Champion List
Their role is to:
Champions will serve as leaders, coaches, and expert consultants in their respective
networks for simulation training, education and research to ensure local success in
simulation education and training.
Champions will collaborate with the SimLEARN program to advise on the translation of
nationally developed simulation curricula to the local level.
Champions will serve as the central points of contact between the SimLEARN program and the
VISN and its facilities to actively communicate simulation information from the national
program office to the appropriate subject matter experts in the field.
For VA employees: there is an internal listing of Local Facility (Simulation) Leads found
that is routinely updated. The list can be found here:
Local Facility Leads
How to be a simulation learner or instructor?
To become a simulation learner or
instructor:
SimLEARN Innovation Cells for Education (SLICE)
SimLEARN Virtual Academy (SVA)
SimLEARN Outreach Network (SON)
- After clickling the above SON link, informaiton is located under the Field-Based Simulation
Experiences.
According to the Society for Simulation Healthcare Simulation Dictionary, the following can
be found here: https://www.ssih.org/Portals/48/sim-dictionary-2_1.pdf - p.13
Debrief/Debriefing: To conduct a session after a simulation event where
educators/instructors/facilitators and learners re-examine the simulation experience for the
purpose of moving toward assimilation and accommodation of learning to future situations
(Johnson-Russell & Bailey, 2010; National League for Nursing - Simulation Innovation
Resource Center, 2013); debriefing should foster the development of clinical judgment and
critical thinking skills (Johnson-Russell & Bailey, 2010).
To encourage participants’ reflective thinking and provide feedback about their performance,
while various aspects of the completed simulation are discussed.
To explore with participants their emotions and to question, reflect, and provide feedback
to one another (i.e., guided reflection).
Emergent, complex medical events are nearly always managed by multidisciplinary teams. Typically, problems stem from human factors errors such as failure to plan, failure to cross monitor actions of team members, poorly designed work processes, fixation, etc. During a crisis, care givers' physiology changes and their ability to process information is affected. Deliberate practice is critical to the development of highly functioning teams and optimizing clinical outcomes.
Curriculum for individual practitioners and for team-based learning
The priorities will be driven by consideration of a number of factors, including (but not
limited to):
opportunities for improvements in high/low volume or high-risk procedures
opportunities for synergies with nationally recognized patient safety initiatives
the need for curricula to address the unique clinical needs of veterans (e.g., suicide
prevention, PTSD, exposure related diagnoses, compensation and pension examinations)
the development of new technologies or procedures that would be more effectively implemented
with system wide simulation training
the ubiquitous need for improved team communications in all types of clinical settings
Simulation modalities typically considered to support curricula include:
standardized/simulated patients
virtual patients
virtual environments
mannequin based training
computer simulations (e.g., typically, but not always, for process modeling)
task trainers
The modality used will depend on the clinical topic addressed in the curricula. The intent
is to use the most appropriate and effective modality and can include a blend of simulation
and non-simulation approaches.
Your input is welcome and invited. This can be as simple as a thoughtful email to
VASimLEARNGeneralInformation@va.gov. Note that the most helpful recommendations are those
that include information about:
The evidence or data that supports the need for national curricula (e.g., quality gap as
documented by clinical measures or external evidence from the clinical literature; need for
training in a condition unique to veterans; etc.)
A short discussion of why you think simulation is the most appropriate modality for
addressing the gap.
A short discussion of how the organization could evaluate the success of the intervention
Information about others that have expressed interest or support (e.g., is this a local
interest? Is the interest VISN-wide? Does the Network Director support this
request?)
This information will be reviewed by the SimLEARN Education Committee and SimLEARN staff as
they establish priorities for the program. The SimLEARN Education Committee (SEC) is the
gathering of SimLEARN leadership. Program Managers, Simulation and Education Technicians,
and designated faculty and staff to review, discuss, and vote on potential new course
offerings, SLICE applications, and collaborative courses and/or training. This process
allows leaders from other VA locations, course directors, and Simulation Champions an
opportunity to address the SEC to be a partner in simulation with SimLEARN.
General questions about this website
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obtain the latest news about SimLEARN, please visit the VHA SimLEARN Home page. If you would
like additional information concerning a particular subject matter, please e-mail
VASimLEARNGeneralInformation@va.gov.
Yes. Though some of the resources on the site are naturally VA-specific, the main body of information is available to everyone.
For questions about any course (other than TNCC) and how to register, please contact us at:
VHASimLEARNNSCSupport@va.gov
For more information or to register for TNCC only, please e-mail:
VHASimLEARNTNCCregistration@va.gov
Clinical Faculty VHASimLEARNClinicalFaculty@va.gov
Course Support VHASimLEARNNSCSupport@va.gov
Simulation Technician Mentorship VHASimLEARNSIMTECHMentorship@va.gov
Simulation Technicians VHASimLEARNSimTechs@va.gov
TNCC VHASimLEARNTNCCregistration@va.gov
REdI VHASimLEARNAskREdI@va.gov
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