Application of the METRICS Framework to Build Programs of Healthcare Simulation Research

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Simulation Research
• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Healthcare simulation is rapidly expanding, but the supporting evidence base lags behind.
• Many published studies are small-scale, lack methodological rigor, and fail to advance the science of simulation.
• There is a critical need for focused, cohesive research programs in healthcare simulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the METRICS framework as a roadmap for developing cohesive healthcare simulation research programs.
• To describe the application of the METRICS framework to existing simulation research initiatives.
• To discuss future implications of the METRICS framework for the global healthcare simulation community.

Main Methods:

• Review and conceptual analysis of the METRICS framework.
• Application of the METRICS framework to existing institutional and network-based simulation research programs.
• Discussion of scholarly domains within the METRICS framework: Metascholarship, Evaluation, Translation, Research, Innovation, Conceptual, and Synthesis.

Main Results:

• The METRICS framework provides a structured model for categorizing scholarship across seven intersecting domains.
• The framework can guide researchers in developing robust, cohesive research programs.
• Existing simulation research programs can be analyzed and potentially enhanced using the METRICS framework.

Conclusions:

• The current evidence base for healthcare simulation requires strengthening through rigorous, cohesive research programs.
• The METRICS framework offers a valuable model to guide the development and evaluation of simulation research.
• Implementing the METRICS framework can foster a more advanced and impactful science of healthcare simulation globally.