Using simulation-based training during hospital relocation: a controlled intervention study

Abstract

Background During hospital relocations, it is important to support healthcare professionals becoming familiar with new settings. Simulation-based training seems promising and in situ simulation has been suggested as a beneficial educational tool to prepare healthcare professionals for relocation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a simulation-based training intervention on health professionals´ readiness to work in their new environment, as well as investigate sick leave before and after relocation. Methods The study was a controlled intervention study implemented at a university hospital in Denmark. Simulation was used to prepare employees for workflows prior to relocation. Before relocation, 1199 healthcare professionals participated in the in situ simulation-based training program. Questionnaires on readiness to perform were distributed to participants at pre-, post-, and follow-up (6 months) measurement. In addition, data on participants’ sick leave was gathered from a business intelligence portal. To compare dependent and independent groups, paired and unpaired t tests were performed on mean score of readiness to perform and sick leave. Results Compared to the control group, healthcare professionals participating in the intervention felt significantly more ready to work in a new hospital environment. As a measure of psychological wellbeing, register data indicated no difference in sick leave, when comparing intervention and control groups before and after participating in the in situ simulation-based training program. Conclusions Healthcare professionals felt significantly more ready to work in a new environment, after participating in the in situ simulation-based training program, indicating that the intervention supported healthcare professionals during relocations. This may mitigate feelings of uncertainty; however, further research is needed to explore such effects. Trial registration The study was approved by The Regional Ethics Committee (no. 1-16-02-222-22).

Translational simulation revisited: an evolving conceptual model for the contribution of simulation to healthcare quality and safety

“…An analysis of the literature citing Brazil’s translational simulation article [ 11 ] demonstrates diverse applications of the concept. These include translational simulation to prepare health services for the COVID-19 pandemic [ 18 – 30 ], for hospital relocation or physical space testing [ 31 ], for clinical pathway or process testing [ 32 – 39 ], and for shaping culture and teamwork in healthcare settings [ 35 , 40 – 46 ]. Other citing literature has included conceptual discussions and review articles [ 47 – 51 ], as well as efforts to develop methods and tools for ‘translational simulation in action’ [ 16 , 32 , 52 ].…”

Exploring the relationship between simulation-based team training and sick leave among healthcare professionals: a cohort study across multiple hospital sites

“…17 Consequently, the utilisation of simulation-based team training emerges as a promising approach to mitigating sick leave within the healthcare professional community. 18 Simulation-based team training can be used to imitate real-life scenarios from clinical settings, in which a scene of conditions is created to mirror authentic situations. 19 20 Additionally, simulation can help healthcare professionals become conscious of their abilities and develop skills in a safe learning environment.…”

“…In a more recent study, it was suggested that simulation-based training might have a preventative impact on sick leave 17. Consequently, the utilisation of simulation-based team training emerges as a promising approach to mitigating sick leave within the healthcare professional community 18…”

“… 17 Consequently, the utilisation of simulation-based team training emerges as a promising approach to mitigating sick leave within the healthcare professional community. 18 …”