Long-term experiences of being a simulation-educator: A multinational interview study

Abstract

The long-term reactions, experiences and reflections of simulation educators have not been explored. In a semistructured, exploratory interview study, the experiences of simulation educators in either Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Crisis Resource Management (CRM) courses in Denmark, Norway and the USA were analyzed. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) general reflections on simulation-based teaching, (2) transfer of knowledge and skills from the simulation setting to clinical settings and (3) more overarching transformations in simulation educators, simulation participants, and the healthcare system. Where ALS was deemed as high on the efficiency dimension of learning, CRM courses were described as high on the innovation dimension. General reflections, transfer and transformations described were related to differences in course principles. The results are relevant for career planning, faculty development and understanding simulation as social practice.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the time that the educators participating in the study invested into their participation. We also thank the reviewers and editors of this paper for their help in improving the text.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the Laerdal Foundation.

Notes on contributors

P. Dieckmann

P. Dieckmann, PhD, Dipl-Psych, Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Center for Human Resources, Capital Region of Denmark, Herlev Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

M. Birkvad Rasmussen

M. Birkvad Rasmussen, PhD, MD, Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Center for Human Resources, Capital Region of Denmark.

S. B. Issenberg

S. B. Issenberg, Professor, MD, University of Miami Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education, USA.

E. Søreide

E. Søreide, Professor, MD, Stavanger University Hospital, Critical Care and Anesthesiology Research Group. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway.

D. Østergaard

D. Østergaard, Professor, MD, Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES) Center for Human Resources, Capital Region of Denmark. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

C. Ringsted

C. Ringsted, Professor, MD, Center for Health Science Education University of Aarhus.