"Ready SIM Go": An Adapted Simulation "Service Line" for Patients and Caregivers

Changing healthcare systems and efforts to decrease medical costs have resulted in many more patients and caregivers (PCs) needing to manage life-sustaining therapies on their own. Given the potential for underpreparedness to result in increased morbidity and mortality, developing safe and efficient homecare training methods for PCs is essential. Medical simulation with PCs is an underused tool, which has the potential to decrease anxiety and increase preparedness through opportunities for repeated practice of medical procedures within a safe, controlled environment. This article describes the development of a hospital-based simulation service line for PCs, leveraging lessons learned from training for 250 patients and 450 caregivers in 14 different departments and subspecialties, and explains adaptations of standard simulation methods necessary for safe and effective use of simulation with this unique population. Process blueprint, examples of specific programs, as well as feedback from participants and clinicians are included.