Using expert consensus to develop a simulation course for faculty members.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Effective simulation-based training relies on expert faculty facilitation.
• Limited guidelines exist for developing simulation training programs.
• A collaborative approach was adopted in the East of England to define course content.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine consensus among simulation-provider leads on essential elements for faculty training courses.
• To establish agreed-upon content and format for simulation development courses.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi method was employed.
• Questionnaires were circulated to consensus group members.
• Two rounds of questionnaires achieved sufficient agreement.

Main Results:

• High agreement on educational content: scenario design, supportive learning environment, debriefing, human factors, feedback, and communication.
• Agreement on preferred teaching methods, minimum qualifications, and faculty development.
• Moderate agreement on prior experience; no agreement on costs.

Conclusions:

• A consensus method successfully defined an educationally sound simulation development course for faculty.
• This establishes an agreed practice standard for simulation-based training in the region.
• Provides assurance to providers and commissioners in the absence of formal guidelines.