The Many Faces of Patient-Centered Simulation: Implications for Researchers

Patient-centered simulation for nonhealthcare providers is an emerging and innovative application for healthcare simulation. Currently, no consensus exists on what patient-centered simulation encompasses and outcomes research in this area is limited. Conceptually, patient-centered simulation aligns with the principles of patient- and family-centered care bringing this educational tool directly to patients and caregivers with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.

This descriptive article is a summary of findings presented at the 2nd International Meeting for Simulation in Healthcare Research Summit. Experts in the field delineated a categorization for better describing patient-centered simulation and reviewed the literature to identify a research agenda.

Three types of patient-centered simulation patient-directed, patient-driven, and patient-specific are presented with research priorities identified for each.

Patient-centered simulation has been shown to be an effective educational tool and has the potential to directly improve patient care outcomes. Presenting a typology for patient-centered simulation provides direction for future research.