Raising the Bar: Using Simulation to Advance Staff Competency Regarding the Patient Experience

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Simulation
• Emergency Medicine
• Patient Experience Improvement

Background:

• Improving the patient experience is crucial in emergency departments.
• Existing training methods may not adequately address the multifaceted nature of patient interactions.
• A need exists for safe, practical training environments to enhance healthcare professionals' skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a hospital's simulation-based approach for enhancing emergency department (ED) team knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• To provide practical, step-by-step guidance on implementing patient experience simulations.
• To foster a safe learning environment that encourages skill practice, reflection, and feedback.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of simulation scenarios focused on patient experience.
• Utilizing a safe environment for hands-on practice of new skills.
• Incorporating structured reflection and feedback mechanisms post-simulation.

Main Results:

• Simulation effectively improved the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the ED team.
• The simulation process provided a practical platform for skill acquisition.
• The safe environment facilitated open feedback and learning.

Conclusions:

• Simulation is a valuable tool for enhancing emergency department patient experience.
• Structured simulation with debriefing promotes skill development and learning.
• Hospitals can effectively use simulation to improve patient care and team performance.