Call the SIM team – a tale of building a simulation faculty in a small district general hospital
Authors: Christian Victoria , Mahmoud Huda , Webb Steven , Oduntan Olawale , Foot Andrew , Siddhi Pooja 
Published: November 2022

For many years, simulation-based education (SBE) at Walsall Manor Hospital (WMH) was carried by a one-man simulation technician, with intermittent input from department facilitators. Inadvertently creating SBE dis-equality across departments. Studies have demonstrated that formalized SBE plans improve training [1] and clinical outcomes [2]. We aimed to create standardisation and equity in SBE across departments by formulating a SBE training and delivery plan and governance structure at WMH.

In the Autumn 2021, WMH started standardising SBE across the Trust in order to improve both the undergraduate and postgraduate standard of education [3]. The team grew to incorporate five multidisciplinary members; SIM technician, SIM lead (consultant), SIM nurse, SIM project support, and SIM technician support. With further expansion to now include speciality simulation leads in emergency medicine (EM) and paediatrics. Currently there is active recruitment for speciality leads in other departments. The SIM staff were appointed already holding simulation education related qualifications and/or experience. In addition, staff attended the University of Stafford foundations in simulation and debriefing courses. The governance process has been developed and implemented around the appointment of simulation speciality staff, formation of simulation courses, and simulation delivery. Furthermore, collection of attendance, feedback forms, certificates of participation and attendance have been made mandatory element of simulation delivery. In addition, there has been internal and external investment in increasing simulation equipment, including paediatric manikins and immersive technology.

In seven months, achievements have included: a range of simulation-based training events, the implementation of in-situ simulation in acute medicine, simulated sessions for final year medical students, the development of a simulation Foundation Year 1 and 2 curriculum, successful construction and running of mock royal college of physicians viva examination, multiple medical procedure courses, the re-introduction of Ill Medical Patients’ Acute Care Treatment (IMPACT) course, and simulation sessions for student nurses. SBE activities were delivered by and to a multidisciplinary team.

Putting together a simulation team and formalizing the governance process around SBE delivery has increased the number of educational activities for both undergraduate medical/nursing students and postgraduate doctors and allied health care professionals. Feedback scores have been good to excellent and multidisciplinary work in EM has improved. The SIM team will continue to promote, implement, embed, and sustain SBE within the Trust to bigger and bolder activities.

We would like to thank and acknowledge the Dinwoodie charitable company for their support.

1. Weaver SJ, Salas E, Lyons R, Lazzara EH, Rosen MA, DiazGranados D, Grim JG, Augenstein JS, Birnbach DJ, King H. Simulation-based team training at the sharp end: A qualitative study of simulation-based team training design, implementation, and evaluation in healthcare. Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock. 2010;3(4):369–377.

2. Houzé-Cerfon CH, Boet S, Marhar F, Saint-Jean M, Geeraerts T. Simulation-based interprofessional education for critical care teams: Concept, implementation and assessment. Presse Medicale (Paris, France: 1983). 2019;48(7–8 Pt 1):780–787.

3. Irwin PM, Brown RA, Butler S. The undergraduate simulation framework: standardising design and delivery’. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning. 2020;11(2):576–586.