Development of a simulation technical competence curriculum for medical simulation fellows

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Health Professions Education
• Simulation Technology

Background:

• Medical educators with simulation fellowship training possess unique technical skills.
• These skills are often learned organically rather than through formal instruction.
• There's a need to address the gap in consistent technical skills training for simulation fellows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a simulation technology curriculum for medical simulation fellows.
• To provide a structured approach for teaching and assessing technical simulation skills within fellowship programs.

Main Methods:

• A simulation technical skill curriculum was developed using Kern's six-step model.
• The curriculum was structured into four domains based on a needs assessment.
• Instructional sessions were delivered over two weeks, culminating in summative assessments.

Main Results:

• Fellows underwent summative objective structured exams at three stations.
• Performance was evaluated using station-specific checklists by instructors.
• All fellows achieved scores approaching 100% accuracy and completion.

Conclusions:

• The developed evidence-based curriculum effectively trained simulation fellows in technical skills.
• The curriculum was well-received by participants.
• This program serves as a model for formalizing technical skills training in simulation.