Connecting simulation and quality improvement: how can healthcare simulation really improve patient care?

Summary

In an interesting paper by Brazil and colleagues in the July edition of BMJ Quality and Safety, the authors explore the positioning of simulation-based methods within QI programmes, the role of trained simulation experts as part of QI-focused teams and the directions for future scholarly enquiry that supports integration of these fields.

Content

The paper summarises the literature on the use of simulation with many examples of application in the field of patient safety. It explores the evidence on the impact of simulation. It goes on to suggest four areas where QI and simulation practitioners interested in closer integration of their fields might focused:

Read - add articles found in quality/safety or simulation journals that integrate both fields onto your reading list.

Study - seek out professional development opportunities: courses, workshops, conferences in QI methodology or simulation/debriefing.

Collaborate - identify individuals in your local institution and find ways to work (and research) together.

Engage - connect with the larger community of practice working on these topics via in-person meetings or platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn.