From reel time to real time: patient simulation for chaplain interns

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Clinical Simulation
• Spiritual Care Training

Background:

• Chaplaincy training requires exposure to complex clinical environments.
• Traditional training may not adequately prepare interns for intensive care settings.
• Simulation offers a controlled environment for skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation center for chaplain intern training.
• To assess the impact of simulation on interns' preparedness for intensive care.
• To determine if simulation facilitates the achievement of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) goals.

Main Methods:

• Chaplain interns participated in simulated intensive care scenarios.
• Real-time feedback was provided by peers, supervisors, and actors.
• Interns' clinical conduct and professional standards were observed.
• Achievement of CPE goals was assessed through participant observation.

Main Results:

• Simulation provided a safe space for interns to practice and adapt to intensive care conditions.
• Interns developed new skills, addressed fears, and improved communication and empathy.
• Supervisors observed improved clinical conduct and adherence to professional standards.
• All participants confirmed that simulation-based training met CPE goals.

Conclusions:

• Simulation centers are effective for training chaplain interns in intensive care settings.
• This training enhances interns' proficiency in providing spiritual and religious care.
• The use of simulation leads to improved quality of care for patients and families.