Simulation past, present and future-a decade of progress in simulation-based education in the UK

Area of Science:

• Healthcare education
• Medical simulation
• Patient safety

Background:

• Simulation-based education (SBE) has seen significant advancements.
• The UK's National Health Service (NHS) and the Association for Simulation Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) have been central to this progress.
• Operational challenges and strategic shifts have marked the evolution of SBE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review developments in SBE in the UK over the last decade.
• To explore the role of ASPiH in advancing SBE.
• To examine the evidence base and broader applications of SBE in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Review of developments in simulation-based education (SBE).
• Focus on UK National Health Service (NHS) activity and ASPiH's role.
• Analysis of strategic changes, operational challenges, and evidence base expansion.

Main Results:

• SBE has expanded significantly in the UK, supported by a growing evidence base.
• SBE is effective for technical skills and interprofessional team training.
• Simulation's role in patient safety and healthcare systems is increasingly recognized.

Conclusions:

• SBE is a vital tool in modern healthcare education and patient safety.
• Continued strategic development and addressing operational challenges are key.
• Further integration of simulation in healthcare systems, including patient involvement, is recommended.