W13 Making simulation in the workplace safe

Workshop In-situ simulation is fast becoming the panacea of Simulation Based Education (SBE). In-situ simulation is used because it can produce highly realistic training with opportunities for team and systems testing while remaining embedded in the clinical setting. With a diversity of theoretical underpinnings, there is limited evidence in the public domain as to what practical procedures can enhance safety in the design and delivery of SBE in the clinical workplace. Especially significant risks include disruption of service and more importantly, physical safety for patients and staff. Basic safeguarding procedures in place at a large London teaching hospital, including a traffic light checklist and a system to sign equipment in and out, seem to have prevented any errors resulting in harm. However, the possibility of simulation-related mishaps resulting in patient, participant, or staff, harm is real and significant. Despite clear procedures and standards being in place, other seemingly less dangerous errors have been reported: a simulated blood gas syringe and lab result being left in a clinical area, a simulated handover sheet and used defib pads on a resuscitation trolley, an unused shock box for defibrillation. In addition, annual staff turnover means institutional memory—knowledge of our incidents and safeguarding principles (checklists)—have been lost in handover and information transfer. A recent podcast on Simulcast http://simulationpodcast.com/simulcast-journal-club-february-2019/ inspired our centre to review its practice. This workshop aims to discuss the core components of SBE safety standards, both from the national, international and locally applied perspectives from the authors place of work. From there the workshop will act as a focus group to discuss common practices with the purpose of surfacing best practice that may contribute to the beginnings of a consensus for future guidelines. It is aimed at Introductory, Intermediate and Expert educators working in the simulation community. Intended learning outcomes Present the reasoning underpinning the principles of making in–situ simulation practice safe List the core components that ensure simulation safety for in–situ (and lab–based) simulation Identify the different approaches undertaken in healthcare simulation to ensure patients & staff do not come to harm Create the beginnings of a consensus for practice to be considered as part of the National Standards Framework Timeline: Minutes 0–5 Workshop introduction Minutes 05–20 Overview of existing standards Minutes 20–40 Group Discussion: core components of approaches Minutes 40–55 consensus for practice Minutes 55–60 Summary & close Methods Didactic introudction with visual aids, group work and nominal group technique.