Simulation training for physicians returning to practice

Many doctors take time out of clinical practice, and then have decreased confidence and
poor performance ratings on their return. Simulation training provides a safe and effective
learning platform for healthcare professionals to become immersed in realistic scenarios
that provide an opportunity to develop technical and non-technical skills. A standardised,
1-day, multi-fidelity, interprofessional, simulation training course was developed and
delivered at four sites, focussing on human factors, patient safety and acute clinical
scenarios relevant for clinicians returning to practice in internal medicine. A total of 56
participants, with a median time out of training of 3.6 years, attended seven courses.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis showed a significant pre/post-course increase
in candidates’ self-reported confidence in returning to practice along with learning in
non-technical skills. The carefully designed standardised format may facilitate wider
expansion of such training.