Introducing Simulation-based Education to Healthcare Professionals in Kuwait: Exploring the Challenge of Integrating

Theory into Educational Practice

Ph. Maram KatoueFaculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University.

Maram Katouea, Nadia Iblaghb, Susan Somervillec, Jean Kerc

aFaculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait.bKuwait Medical Association Training Centre, Kuwait. cClinical Skills Centre, University of Dundee Ninewells Hospital, Scotland.

Simulation-based Education

Simulation is an instructional technique that substitutes or amplifies real clinical experiences with guided educational experiences which evoke or replicate essential elements of the real world in an interactive way.

(Quality & safety in health care 2004; 13 Suppl 1:2-10)

Simulators and Simulated Patients

Introduction

Using simulators for learning standards of safe clinical practice requires faculty development.

The National Clinical Skills Centre in Kuwait was established in 2011 at the Dasman Diabetes Institute.

The MSc. Programme in Diabetes Care and Education:• Clinical• Management • Research• Education • Simulation-based educator

Introduction

To investigate the initial perceptions of the use of simulators by healthcare professionals who undertook a module on simulation for clinical skills education.

To explore their subsequent ability to transform the theoretical knowledge gained from the module into their educational practice.

Aim of the Study

Methods

Participants recruitment: • Convenience sample• Multidisciplinary health care professionals

1) Exploration of theoretical understanding: Series of five clinical skills stations:• Station 1 SimMan/Simbaby • Station 2 Resusi Anne with resuscitation kit/AED• Station 3 Part task trainers (e.g. venepuncture arm,

ophthalmoscopes and heads, catheterisation models)• Station 4 Harvey • Station 5 Simulated Patient with script

Methods

Structured questionnaire:

• How would you classify this simulator?• How would you describe the fidelity of the simulator? • When would you use it in your teaching? • What would be the challenges of using this simulator

in your practice?

Methods

Methods

2) Exploration of educator practice: Tutor analysis of video record of teaching:• Identify what simulator was used in the educational

practice of the novice educators • Determine the appropriateness of the choice of the

simulator for the clinical skill being taught Self-reported analysis of use of simulators

Study participants included those who undertook the clinical skills and simulation module in 2012, 2013.

The two cohorts included 23 physicians, 6 pharmacists and 8 other healthcare professionals.

Results

Exploration of theoretical understanding:• Participants were able to determine the classification

of the simulator, its fidelity and possible applications.

• Challenges identified:• Limited availability• Lack of realism• Requirement for technical support for the high-

fidelity simulators • Need for special training for the simulated patients

Results

Exploration of Educator Practice: • Tutor analysis of video record of teaching: • Use of part task trainers to teach procedural skills.

• Self reported analysis of use of simulators:• Limited justification of choice. • Little reference to the simulator’s classification,

fidelity, or the challenges in its use.

Results

Conclusion

There is a theory-practice gap in the use of simulation by novice educators.

Further study: • Need to explore underlying reasoning/influences

in the choices of simulators made by novice educators.

A potential Community of Practice

Simulation Use in my Educational Practice

Acknowledgements

Dasman Diabetes Institute

Module leads from Dundee University:• Prof. Jean Ker• Dr. Mairi Scott• Susan Somerville

Study participants

Thank YouThank You