Developing Simulated Patients for Online Simulation: Reflections on Actor Management and Scenario Adaptation

Aims: To outline the challenges faced by simulation faculty when transitioning to online Simulation-Based Training (SBE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve SBE practices.

Method: Researchers developed online SBE by adopting Kurt Lewin's Change Model (1947), which involved initiating an unfreezing process, addressing current priorities, challenges, and delivery needs. The process included experimentation, novel method testing, feedback integration, and adaptation to evolving conditions.

Findings: Implementing online SBE offers the potential to reach wider audience, particularly those facing social distancing restrictions. Furthermore, results suggest that online education can be as effective as in-person instruction.

Contributions: Moreover, it underscores the potential of online education to expand SBE's reach and effectiveness while maintaining educational quality. Overall, this study offers valuable insights for the ongoing development of online SBE.

Further Information:

• The influence of patient gender in healthcare professional decision-making: an interaction analysis of simulation debriefings.
• Digital simulation: Maudsley Simulation launch online mental health training.

Additional authors listed here due to space restrictions:

Marta Ortega Vega, Maudsley Simulation, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London

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