Simulation training for clinicians returning to practice

Abstract

Many doctors take time out of clinical practice, and then have decreased confidence and poor performance ratings on their return. Simulation training provides a safe and effective learning platform for healthcare professionals to become immersed in realistic scenarios that provide an opportunity to develop technical and non-technical skills. A standardised, 1-day, multi-fidelity, interprofessional, simulation training course was developed and delivered at four sites, focusing on human factors, patient safety and acute clinical scenarios relevant for clinicians returning to practice in internal medicine. A total of 56 participants, with a median time out of training of 3.6 years, attended seven courses. Quantitative and qualitative analysis showed a significant pre/post-course increase in candidates' self-reported confidence in returning to practice along with learning in non-technical skills. The carefully designed standardised format may facilitate wider expansion of such training.