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Simulation training for improving the quality of care for older people: an independent evaluation of an innovative programme for inter-professional education
  1. Alastair J Ross1,
  2. Janet E Anderson2,
  3. Naonori Kodate3,
  4. Libby Thomas1,
  5. Kellie Thompson4,
  6. Beth Thomas1,
  7. Suzie Key5,
  8. Heidi Jensen6,
  9. Rebekah Schiff6,
  10. Peter Jaye1
  1. 1Simulation and Interactive Learning (SaIL) Centre, St Thomas’ Hospital, King's Health Partners, London, UK
  2. 2Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College, London, UK
  3. 3School of Applied Social Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  4. 4Department of Applied Social Studies, University of Bedfordshire, London, UK
  5. 5Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
  6. 6Department of Ageing and Health, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Alastair Ross, Simulation and Interactive Learning Centre, King's Health Partners, 1st floor, St Thomas’ House, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK;alastair.ross{at}gstt.nhs.uk

Abstract

Introduction This paper describes the evaluation of a 2-day simulation training programme for staff designed to improve teamwork and inpatient care and compassion in an older persons’ unit.

Objective The programme was designed to improve inpatient care for older people by using mixed modality simulation exercises to enhance teamwork and empathetic and compassionate care.

Methods Healthcare professionals took part in: (a) a 1-day human patient simulation course with six scenarios and (b) a 1-day ward-based simulation course involving five 1-h exercises with integrated debriefing. A mixed methods evaluation included observations of the programme, precourse and postcourse confidence rating scales and follow-up interviews with staff at 7–9 weeks post-training.

Results Observations showed enjoyment of the course but some anxiety and apprehension about the simulation environment. Staff self-confidence improved after human patient simulation (t=9; df=56; p<0.001) and ward-based exercises (t=9.3; df=76; p<0.001). Thematic analysis of interview data showed learning in teamwork and patient care. Participants thought that simulation had been beneficial for team practices such as calling for help and verbalising concerns and for improved interaction with patients.

Areas to address in future include widening participation across multi-disciplinary teams, enhancing post-training support and exploring further which aspects of the programme enhance compassion and care of older persons.

Conclusions The study demonstrated that simulation is an effective method for encouraging dignified care and compassion for older persons by teaching team skills and empathetic and sensitive communication with patients and relatives.

  • Simulation
  • Team training
  • Patient-centred care
  • Communication

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