Simulation Nation

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In this episode of Simulation Nation, Kim Leighton, a pioneer in simulation evaluation tools, shares her journey and insights. She started in simulation during a flu outbreak and was tasked with evaluating a human patient simulator. Later, she developed the Simulation Effectiveness Tool and other evaluation tools. Kim created a website to provide access to these tools and has received over 7,500 unique downloads from 89 countries. She has now partnered with  @HealthySimulation to continue making these tools available. Validating an evaluation tool involves ensuring it measures what it intends to and obtaining feedback from experts.

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This Episode of Simulation Nation explores the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in simulation education and the simulation industry. Kellie Bryant and Crystal Murillo discuss the evolution of language from cultural competence to cultural sensitivity and the importance of DEI in simulation. They highlight the need for representation in mannequins, curriculum, and faculty, and share their experiences in promoting DEI in simulation. They also emphasize the impact of DEI on learners and the importance of incorporating obstacles faced by diverse patient populations in simulations. The conversation explores the importance of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare simulation. The guests discuss the need for simulations to address racial and ethnic healthcare disparities and social determinants of health. They emphasize the importance of involving people from diverse populations in the development and review of simulations to ensure accuracy and avoid perpetuating stereotypes. The guests also highlight the need for healthcare professionals to be equipped with the skills to intervene and advocate for patients impacted by social determinants of health. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrating DEI into healthcare education and simulation.

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Teresa Gore PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE-A, FSSH, FAAN from  Healthysimulation.com discusses the development of simulation standards of best practice in nursing education. The standards cover various aspects of simulation, including terminology, participant objectives, facilitation methods, debriefing, and evaluation. The standards have been adopted and supported by numerous organizations worldwide. The conversation explores the impact of the standards of best practice in simulation on the simulation community.

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This episode explores the global simulation industry and the role of simulation in healthcare education with Healthysimulation.com's Founder & CEO, Lance Baily, as he also shares his background in film and digital media, as well as his experience in healthcare and simulation. They touch on the expansion of simulation post-COVID and the trends of digital-based learning technologies and AI in simulation. They also discuss the importance of digital marketing and online learning in simulation, as well as the need for inclusivity and diversity in the simulation community. The conversation highlights the importance of communication skills and the potential of AR/VR in simulation, how simulation has the potential to reduce the high turnover rate of new graduate nurses and improve outcomes in healthcare, and how important It is to speak the language of C-suite executives and promote simulation in a way that addresses their pain points. 

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In this episode, Alaina Herrington, DNP, RN, FAAN, FSSH, ANEF, CHSE-A from Mississippi State University, discusses the cost breakdown of simulations and the importance of understanding the financial aspects of simulation. She emphasizes the need for simulation educators to have a business mindset and the challenges of navigating budgets and cost effectiveness. Alaina shares her experience as an OR nurse and how she applied her knowledge of cost analysis to simulation. She explains the concept of pick sheets and how they can be used to calculate the cost of each simulation. Alaina also discusses the importance of collaboration and the support she received from the NLN simulation leadership group. Alaina discusses how she marketed her simulation center and attracted outside organizations to utilize the facility. Elena also talks about the fee calculator tool she developed to communicate the costs and benefits of the simulation center to the business office. The tool helped break down department costs and provided an inventory management system. Alaina shares her experience building a new sim center and the challenges of planning the space and infrastructure.

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Crystel Farina discusses the important aspects of running a simulation center, including budgets, justification, and hiring. She emphasizes the need for a foundation of psychological safety in simulation programs and the importance of hiring individuals with the right mindset. Crystel shares her journey into simulation and the impact of the NLN simulation fellowship on her career trajectory. She also provides advice on advocating for a simulation budget and making strategic purchases. Crystel highlights the role of foundations and donors in supporting nursing and simulation programs. Crystel shares insights on budgeting, hiring, and consulting in simulation centers. She emphasizes the importance of professional development and staying up to date with simulation education. Crystel also highlights the value of the Essentials of Clinical Simulation in Health Professions MOOC, which is open to the public. She discusses the qualities she looks for when hiring simulation faculty, including healthcare knowledge and a passion for simulation and student learning. Crystel also discusses the importance of psychological safety in simulation and the need to stretch students to the edges of their ability. She shares strategies for creating external revenue opportunities, such as offering simulation courses and renting out simulation space. Crystel concludes by discussing her transition to a new role as assistant dean of BSN programs and the impact she hopes to have as a mentor.

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What are the best practices for incorporating different students and faculty members into the simulation process as standardized patients (SPs)? Amy and Megan explores the benefits of using family members, faculty members, and students as SPs, as well as the importance of following the Association of SP Educators' standards of best practice. The topics covered include training, character development, patient safety, and the challenges of maintaining realism when using familiar individuals as SPs. The episode also discusses the option of including SPs from different disciplines and the importance of obtaining voluntary participation. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the use of live people in simulation and the considerations that come with it. They talk about the importance of informing participants about the simulations they will be involved in and giving them the option to opt-in or opt-out based on their personal circumstances. They also mention the benefits of incorporating interprofessional simulations and the impact it has on students' understanding and respect for different healthcare professions. The speakers emphasize the need for data collection and self-evaluations from participants to assess the effectiveness of the simulation program. They also highlight the potential challenges and pitfalls of using peers as simulated patients and the importance of maintaining psychological safety in the simulation environment.

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In this episode, Megan and Amy discuss the importance of character descriptions in simulation. They introduce the concept of character descriptions and explain how they differ from scripts. They highlight the need for character descriptions in formative simulations and the benefits they provide to standardized patients. Bethany McGonigle, a theater expert, joins the conversation to share insights on character development in theater and how it can be applied to simulation. The episode concludes with a discussion on approaching a new character and considering their background and support system. In this conversation, Bethany and the hosts discuss the importance of creating realistic and relatable characters in simulations. They also explore the Uta Hagen approach to writing character descriptions, which involves answering nine questions to develop a deep understanding of the character. The hosts highlight the importance of creating complex and multi-dimensional characters, and how this can enhance the simulation experience.

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Amy Cowperthwait and Megan Weldon are back again talking about everything you need on your Simulationist Ultimate Christmas List!

This episode of Simulation Nation discusses various items that could make ideal Christmas gifts for those involved in healthcare simulation. Amy and Megan have a lively discussion, sharing thoughts on the newest simulation technologies, emphasizing the anticipation for new releases and innovations. They also touch upon the challenges of managing time and meals within the simulation control room, humorously mentioning DoorDash gift cards as a solution.

The conversation transitions into the importance of specialized merchandise for simulation enthusiasts, such as simulation-themed T-shirts and courses like moulage training for creating realistic effects. They discuss the practicality and impact of these tools within the simulation environment, highlighting the need for cost-effective and hygienic simulation materials.

The hosts explore self-care and relaxation ideas for simulation professionals, including spa treatments and temperature-controlled smart travel mugs for enjoying hot coffee during busy work hours. They also caution against unapproved enhancements in simulation scenarios, emphasizing the need for proper protocols when incorporating realistic elements.

Overall, the discussion revolves around thoughtful and practical gifts for those involved in simulation work, showcasing a mix of technological advancements, training resources, and personal care items. The hosts encourage engagement from their audience, seeking input on additional gift ideas for simulation professionals while sharing warm holiday wishes.

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Amy Cowperthwait and Megan Weldon are back again with Simulation Nation! This week the team talks about everything you need to know before heading to IMSH 2024!

The IMSH (International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare) conference serves as an invaluable platform for simulationists, encompassing professionals from diverse fields like healthcare, education, technology, and beyond. As IMSH 2024 approaches, the benefits for simulationists are abundant and diverse, fostering a collective environment for growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Firstly, IMSH offers a fertile ground for networking and collaboration. Simulationists, whether seasoned veterans or newcomers, have the opportunity to interact with peers, exchange ideas, and establish connections that can spark new projects or collaborations. This interaction transcends boundaries, merging insights from various disciplines and fostering a holistic approach to simulation in healthcare.

Moreover, IMSH conferences are hubs of knowledge dissemination. Workshops, presentations, and panel discussions cover a spectrum of topics, from cutting-edge simulation technologies to novel teaching methodologies. Simulationists can delve into these sessions, gaining insights into the latest trends, research findings, and best practices. This knowledge empowers them to enhance their own simulation programs and educational strategies.

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