Co-creation and delivery of a simulation-based learning model for locally employed doctors : findings from the SIMBA-LED study
Palanichamy, Swetha Malhotra, Kashish Sin, Yun Philip, Nevil C Arshad, Amynta Balakrishnan, Harshin Johal, Haneesh Kauser-Malik, Saima Khan, Sahrish Moodalbyle, Shreyas
Palanichamy, Swetha
Malhotra, Kashish
Sin, Yun
Philip, Nevil C
Arshad, Amynta
Balakrishnan, Harshin
Johal, Haneesh
Kauser-Malik, Saima
Khan, Sahrish
Moodalbyle, Shreyas
Affiliation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; University of Birmingham; University of Adelaide, Australia; Rama Medical College and Hospital, Hapur, India; South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust; Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia; Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-10-23
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Background and objectives: Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs) form a substantial part of the healthcare workforce but often lack structured educational support. Simulation via Instant Messaging for Bedside Application (SIMBA) is a simulation-based learning model that has been shown to enhance confidence in clinical practice. This study developed and assessed a tailored SIMBA program for LEDs, focusing on acute medical scenarios.
Design and setting: A serial cross-sectional study was conducted (July 2023-January 2024) using Kern's six-step framework. The program was delivered online via mobile and computer platforms.
Participants and interventions: Forty-six LEDs participated. Stakeholder and participant interviews informed an LED-specific intervention, delivered through 11 SIMBA sessions. Participants completed pre- and post-session surveys assessing confidence and the acceptability of SIMBA, including six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies.
Main outcome measures: Thematic analysis of interviews assessed acceptability. Changes in self-reported confidence were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results: Stakeholders highlighted that LEDs stabilise the workforce but receive less teaching support than HEE trainees. SIMBA had high acceptability (100% found cases applicable; 87% preferred SIMBA over traditional learning). Confidence increased by 32.4%, with greater improvements in simulated (46.2% vs 84.8%, p<0.0001) than non-simulated (41.5% vs 66.5%, p<0.0001) scenarios. Notable improvements were in patient management (84.8%), patient care (71.7%), and practice-based learning (69.6%).
Conclusions: A tailored SIMBA program significantly enhances LEDs' confidence in acute medical scenarios and is highly acceptable. Integrating SIMBA into LED training may improve professional development and patient care.
Citation
Palanichamy S, Malhotra K, Sin Y, Philip NC, Arshad A, Balakrishnan H, Johal H, Kauser-Malik S, Khan S, Moodalbyle S, Elhariry M, Narayanan L, Collaboration D, Kempegowda P. Co-creation and delivery of a simulation-based learning model for locally employed doctors: Findings from the SIMBA-LED study. Clin Med (Lond). 2025 Oct 23:100524. doi: 10.1016/j.clinme.2025.100524. Epub ahead of print.
Type
Article