Concepts for the Simulation Community: Development of the International Simulation Data Registry

The past several decades have seen tremendous growth in our understanding of best practices in simulation-based healthcare education. At present, however, there is limited infrastructure available to assist programs in translation of these best practices into more standardized educational approaches, higher quality of care, and ultimately improved outcomes. In 2014, the International Simulation Data Registry (ISDR) was launched to address this important issue. The existence of such a registry has important implications not just for educational practice but also for research. The ISDR currently archives data related to pulseless arrest, malignant hyperthermia, and difficult airway simulations. Case metrics are designed to mirror the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines Registry, allowing for direct comparisons with clinical scenarios. This article describes the rationale for the ISDR, and outlines its development. Current data are presented to highlight the educational and research value of this approach. Projected future developments are also discussed.