High-fidelity simulation programs in ICU-related ethical non-technical skills training: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Critical Care Medicine
• Ethics in Medicine

Background:

• Non-technical skills and ethical decision-making are crucial for intensive care unit (ICU) residents.
• Limited literature exists on training ICU residents in non-technical skills and ethical dilemmas using high-fidelity simulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the benefits of teaching ethics in the ICU using high-fidelity simulation scenarios.
• To explore effective teaching strategies for non-technical skills in critical care.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of 8 relevant publications was conducted.
• Searched and scoped databases for studies on ICU resident training in non-technical skills and ethical dilemmas.

Main Results:

• Simulations covered adverse event communication, delivering bad news, end-of-life care ethics, and do-not-resuscitate orders.
• Key topics included communication, teamwork, confidence, and moral reasoning in critical situations.

Conclusions:

• High-fidelity simulation is an effective educational strategy for ICU residents.
• This training improves ethical considerations, moral reasoning, and non-technical skills like confidence and communication.