Reports

Defining the "As-Is" State of Simulation Training and Education in VHA

A critical preliminary objective of the Simulation-Based Clinical Education (SBCE) strategic planning process is the determination of VHA's current state of simulation training, education, and research. Another foundational objective for the program is the determination of system-wide curricula topic priorities. This information can then used, together with a vision of the ideal state, to map a strategic plan for VHA's Simulation-Based Clinical Education (SBCE) program.

To meet these objectives, the SimLEARN Program staff recently conducted a VHA-wide data call, sending surveys to more than 170 VHA healthcare facilities. Local Designated Learning Officers facilitated local responses to the data call.

Ninety-nine percent of all facilities participated by responding in part or in whole to the SimLEARN data call. The data call solicited information regarding the following topics:

• Simulation center staffing
• Funding and allocated staff hours for simulation activities
• Professional backgrounds of those in leadership roles
• Organizational alignment of simulation programs
• Space allocations
• Establishment dates for local simulation centers

In addition to these topics, VHA healthcare facilities also responded to needs assessment questions. An initial review of facilities' top three priorities reflected interest in simulations around cardiac life support, rapid response, physical assessment, intubation, team communication, and central line placement. Information was also collected on simulation courses currently offered at each facility.

The analysis of the data was distributed to VHA leadership in late January.

Data Call analysis and course information 

Questions from the National Data Call 

An important by-product of the national data call was the collection of information on existing simulation curricula.

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