Simulation-based training for continuing professional development within a primary care context: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Background

Given the increasing complexity of tasks transferred to primary care, discipline-specific educational opportunities are required for those working within this context. Simulation-based training (SBT) is widely applied within a hospital setting, underpinned by extensive research. However, little is known about the transfer of simulations’ utility to primary care. This systematic review sought to determine which SBT approaches are adopted for continuing professional development within primary care and appraise their impact.

Methods

Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched, with additional articles obtained through secondary searching. Eligible studies employed and evaluated a simulation-based educational intervention for fully qualified healthcare professionals, working within primary care. Included studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (v18) and their findings narratively synthesised.

Results

Forty-nine studies were included, sampling 4,601 primary care health professionals. Studies primarily adopted a quantitative design and demonstrated variable quality. Simulation approaches comprised standardised patients (n = 21), role-play (n = 14), virtual (n = 6), manikin (n = 5) and mixed manikin/standardised patients (n = 3). Efficacy was evaluated across Kirkpatrick levels and demonstrated a positive impact for knowledge-, skills- and attitude-based outcomes, though this was limited in select studies.

Discussion

SBT has been adopted in the education of the spectrum of health professionals working within primary care, with the most common approach being standardised patients. Simulation delivers an acceptable and effective educational method, demonstrating a positive impact across various learning objectives. Further research assessing the impact at an organisational- and patient-level is required.

KEYWORDS:

• Simulation-based training
• continuing professional development
• systematic review

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Janne Vendt for her help with the search strategy.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Sundhed-og Omsorgsforvaltningen (SUF), Københavns Kommune.

Notes on contributors

Lucy Bray

Lucy Bray MBBS (Hons), MSc, FHEA, is a public health trainee, currently working at the Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation.

Tobias Browall Krogh

Tobias Browall Krogh MD, is a junior doctor, currently working at Department of Surgery, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Capital Region of Copenhagen.

Doris Østergaard

Doris Østergaard MD, DMSc, is Professor at Copenhagen Academy Medical Education and Simulation and University of Copenhagen.