[Simulation as a tool to facilitate change in healthcare organisations]

To describe the use of simulation as a tool to support the strategic management of change in the Cantabrian Regional Health Service in Spain.

A working group was created to: 1) define the strategic areas of innovation and change; 2) establish criteria for the selection of proposals that can be addressed with simulation; 3) analyse and select the proposals; 4) design and implement the simulation programs, and 5) evaluate results.

The constantly changing needs of the regional health system enabled 6 strategic areas to be identified during 2017-208: 1) efficient use of resources; 2) implementation of health plans of interest in the community; 3) patient safety improvement; 4) management of health personnel; 5) development of new professional skills, and 6) selection and implementation of new technology.

Clinical simulation is a useful tool to promote innovation strategies in healthcare, facilitating the adaptation of professionals and patients to change.