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Quality assurance of high-fidelity simulation courses
Stevens-Muir, Cheryl Mathews, Ashwin Merchant, Azar Simkin, Mark
Stevens-Muir, Cheryl
Mathews, Ashwin
Merchant, Azar
Simkin, Mark
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Affiliation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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Publication date
2024-08-01
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Abstract
Introduction:
The Clinical Skills and Simulation department deliver high fidelity simulation courses across three hospital sites. Feedback from faculty and candidates has led to enhancement of all courses, yet a deliberate method of Quality Assurance (QA) was deemed requisite for educational governance.
Methods:
Drawing on ASPiH Standards [1], a framework was designed with seven domains for this QA project. To minimise bias, collection and analysis of data and generation of recommendations were performed by two Simulation Fellows who were new to the department.
Results:
Seven courses were evaluated. Five met or exceeded departmental standards in all seven domains, whilst the other two courses met or exceeded standards in six of the seven domains.
All courses had robust purposes, organisation and resources at their disposal, which exceeded departmental expectations with their consistent focus on how human factors affect patient safety.
Despite an array of technology at the Trust’s disposal, its functioning did not always meet the departmental standards, with recurring audio difficulties and occasional software tethering issues. In response the department’s Digital Innovation team consulted specialists to facilitate further improvements.
Debriefs were conducted in a holistic manner and candidate evaluation was always discussed. However, many courses lacked enough faculty members resulting in Objective Structured Assessments of Debriefing (OSADs) being performed infrequently.
Discussion:
This comprehensive QA process demonstrated that high-fidelity simulation courses at UHB are predominantly being delivered at a good standard. Some recommended changes have already been implemented. Annual QA must then take place to guarantee maintenance of high standards.
Citation
Stevens-Muir, C., Mathews, A., Merchant, A. and Simkin, M (2024) 'Quality assurance of high-fidelity simulation courses'. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Type
Internal Poster