Perception of Simulation Culture Readiness Among Healthcare Personnel at a Medical City in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction Research in Saudi Arabia concerning health organizations' readiness to use simulation in healthcare personnel training is insufficient. Therefore, this study explored simulation readiness culture and identified associations between simulation readiness culture and healthcare personnel characteristics at a medical city in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling and the Simulation Culture Organizational Readiness Survey (SCORS), a 36-item questionnaire, to collect data from healthcare personnel working at 3 hospitals and 5 primary care centers at a medical city in the western region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 209 healthcare personnel participated in the study. Results The mean total SCORS score was 120.53 (standard deviation ±28.32). Men had significantly higher Readiness for Culture Change and Time, Personnel, and Resource Readiness subscale scores, as well as SCORS total score. Participants with undergraduate degrees had significantly higher Defined Need and Support for Change subscale scores. In the multiple regression analysis, sex and being certified in simulation statistically significantly predicted the SCORS total score and Readiness for Culture Change subscale score, whereas being certified in simulation alone only statistically significantly predicted the Defined Need and Support for Change subscale score. Conclusions Simulation culture readiness showed great potential to integrate simulation in healthcare personnel training. The variation in simulation culture readiness based on demographic characteristics warrants further evaluation and consideration by clinical leaders to better optimize the outcomes of healthcare personnel training.