Is Simulation as an Investigative Method as Good as Reality?

Abstract

Clinical simulation offers an alternative to naturalistic inquiry of phenomena in health care that are ethically and logistically difficult for researchers to access firsthand. However, whether it is a similar experience, and the extent simulation elicits data that is meaningful for the real-world phenomenon under investigation is unknown. To address this gap, we explored the experience of 18 paediatricians who were participants in our wider phenomenological simulation-based study of communication practices related to paediatric advance care planning. We identified that: (1) the simulation felt real despite differences to reality, and (2) the paediatricians’ consciousness of their involvement in research condensed the pace of the advance care planning communication process but did not change their overall approach. In summary, simulation as an investigative method can enrich the understanding of the phenomenon of interest. These findings should encourage researchers to consider simulation for future qualitative inquiry.