Sustained clinical knowledge improvements from simulation experiences with Simulation via Instant...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Health
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Continuing medical education (CME) faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) was developed to deliver remote, simulation-based learning.
• SIMBA utilizes platforms like WhatsApp and Zoom for postgraduate healthcare professional training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of SIMBA on clinical knowledge.
• To determine if improvements in clinical knowledge were sustained over time.
• To evaluate participant confidence and acceptance of the SIMBA method.

Main Methods:

• Two SIMBA sessions (thyroid and pituitary) were conducted with 116 participants.
• Real-life cases were simulated with interactive discussions via WhatsApp and Zoom.
• Participant knowledge, confidence, and acceptance were measured pre-simulation, post-simulation, and at 6-12 week follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in self-reported confidence and clinical knowledge were observed post-simulation for both thyroid and pituitary sessions (P < .0001).
• Knowledge and confidence retention were maintained at the 6-12 week follow-up.
• The study demonstrated SIMBA's effectiveness in enhancing and sustaining clinical knowledge.

Conclusions:

• SIMBA effectively increased clinical knowledge in simulated case scenarios.
• The observed knowledge improvement was retained for up to 12 weeks post-simulation.
• Further research is needed to assess long-term knowledge retention and its impact on clinical practice.